Lexington, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Is a Packet Boat a Passenger Boat?

Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 12, 2024

1. Is a Packet Boat a Passenger Boat? Marker

Inscription.

Is a Packet Boat a Passenger Boat?. . , Yes! Packet Boats, operated by several companies, carried mail and passengers in relative comfort. The boats, pulled by mules or horses, traveled the smooth water of the James and North (Maury) rivers offering both dining and sleeping accommodations...and yes, even toilet facilities. One writer described his boat: I brought to the table - an excellent one it was - a school boy's appetite, sharpened by travel, and thought it was "just splendid." When supper was over, the men went on deck to smoke, while the ladies busied themselves with draughts or backgammon, or with conversation or books. But not for long. The curtains which separated the female from the male department were soon drawn, in order that the steward and his aids might make ready the berths. These were three deep, "lower""middle" and "upper;" and great was the desire on the part of the men not to be consigned to the "upper." The fare to Lynchburg was $3.50, and to Richmond was $8.00 (about $70.00 and $160.00 today)., Between 1860 and 1879 the trip from Lexington to Richmond took about 2 1/2 days. The coming and going of the boats was a major event as described in the April 29, 1870 issue of the Gazette (News Gazette today). "We reached the river in time to see the Packet weigh anchor, which event occasions about as much bustle and excitement for Lexington as the sailing of a European steamer does for New York. And then we saw the "Anna" launched by its gallant captain and 'walk the water, a thing of life' as beautiful a specimen of ship-craft in its line.", Between Lexington and Richmond the locks raised or lowered boats about 865 feet. That required 91 locks. Considering that the horses or mules went at about 4 miles an hour and that there were so many locks to traverse, you can understand why it took 2 1/2 days for the trip., Jordan's Point Historic District is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. , Visit the Miller's House website for more information: millershousemuseum.org.

Yes! Packet Boats, operated by several companies, carried mail and passengers in relative comfort. The boats, pulled by mules or horses, traveled the smooth water of the James and North (Maury) rivers offering both dining and sleeping accommodations...and yes, even toilet facilities. One writer described his boat: I brought to the table - an excellent one it was - a school boy's appetite, sharpened by travel, and thought it was "just splendid." When supper was over, the men went on deck to smoke, while the ladies busied themselves with draughts or backgammon, or with conversation or books. But not for long. The curtains which separated the female from the male department were soon drawn, in order that the steward and his aids might make ready the berths. These were three deep, "lower""middle" and "upper;" and great was the desire on the part of the men not to be consigned to the "upper." The fare to Lynchburg was $3.50, and to Richmond was $8.00 (about $70.00 and $160.00 today).

Between 1860 and 1879 the trip from Lexington to Richmond took about 2 1/2 days. The coming and going of the boats was a major event as described

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in the April 29, 1870 issue of the Gazette (News Gazette today). "We reached the river in time to see the Packet weigh anchor, which event occasions about as much bustle and excitement for Lexington as the sailing of a European steamer does for New York. And then we saw the "Anna" launched by its gallant captain and 'walk the water, a thing of life' as beautiful a specimen of ship-craft in its line."

Between Lexington and Richmond the locks raised or lowered boats about 865 feet. That required 91 locks. Considering that the horses or mules went at about 4 miles an hour and that there were so many locks to traverse, you can understand why it took 2 1/2 days for the trip.

Jordan's Point Historic District is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Visit the Miller's House website for more information: millershousemuseum.org

Erected 2017 by Miller's House Museum.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is April 29, 1870.

Location. 37° 47.539′ N, 79° 25.672′ W. Marker is in Lexington, Virginia. It can be reached from Moses Mill Road north of

Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 12, 2024

2. Is a Packet Boat a Passenger Boat? Marker

Jordan Point Road, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located in Jordan's Point Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 834 Moses Mill Road, Lexington VA 24450, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: This is John Jordan's point. After all, he started it. (here, next to this marker); Batteaux, Freight Boats, Packet Boats, Wagons, Horses & Mules (within shouting distance of this marker); Fish Really Need a Ladder Sometimes! (within shouting distance of this marker); What is a Gauge Dock? (within shouting distance of this marker); Gold Star Families Memorial Monument

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(within shouting distance of this marker); First it was cotton, then it was barrels, then it was grain... (within shouting distance of this marker); Three bridges and a railroad trestle (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wharf, Work and Worship (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lexington.

Regarding Is a Packet Boat a Passenger Boat?. The website listed on this marker is incorrect. The website should be:

millershousemuseum.com

Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2024, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 114 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 24, 2024, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.