Belle and Mayo Islands in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Headgate Cleaner and Hydro Plant
Straining the Water
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, March 15, 2025
1. Headgate Cleaner and Hydro Plant Marker
The catwalk in front you sits atop the headgate marking the entrance of the feeder canal supplying water to the power plant 200 yards to your left. The Belle Isle Hydroelectric Power Plant operated from 1904 until 1967. It ceased operation when the cost of maintenance and repair to the plant and associated dams rendered it unable to compete with cheaper fossil fuels.
The steel slats of the headgate prevent wood and debris from damaging turbines of the electric generators. Logs and large debris floated through the gate in the dam straight ahead and could return to the river. Pieces of fabric, wood and trash trapped in the headgate were removed with a special headgate cleaner, seen on your right.
The headgate cleaner rolled along the pathway you walk today. The track of the cleaner support the handrails of the catwalk. This large mechanical rake kept these "trash racks" free of leaves and small debris. Notice how the steel teeth fit between the metal slats to slide up and down. In spite of the cleaner, small bits of debris still made their way to the blades of the turbines.
Erected by Friends of the James River
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.
Location. 37° 31.63′ N, 77° 27.371′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in Belle and Mayo Islands. It is on Tredegar Street 0.9 miles west of South 5th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1701 Riverside Dr, Richmond VA 23225, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, 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 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: First Break Rapid (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Belle Isle Hydro Plant
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, March 15, 2025
2. Headgate
Taken from just to the right of the marker, this view shows the headgate and grating referenced in the text. Even though water does not freely flow into this canal today, when waters do rise the gates still largely catch debris as they were originally intended to do.
Other markers no longer nearby. Headgate (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Headgate Cleaner (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Gun Emplacement (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); First Break Rapids (was about 400 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Quarry Pond (was about 600 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Quarry Equipment (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Hollywood Rapids (was approx. Ό mile away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Belle Isle Rolling Milling and Slitting Manufactory (was approx. Ό mile away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Native American Fishing (was
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, March 15, 2025
3. Headgate Cleaner
More about this marker. This marker replaces 64047 and 64048.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Old Markers At This Location titled "Headgate" and "Headgate Cleaner".
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, March 15, 2025
4. Hydro Plant
The millrace/canal filtered by the headgate enters the hydroelectric power plant through an additional gate here on the north side of the primary plant building.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 151 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 13, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
