Belle and Mayo Islands in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Headgate Cleaner
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, March 31, 2013
1. Headgate Cleaner Marker
Water leading to the power plant was kept clean by passing it through slats in the headgate called trash racks. Bits of wood can wear away the edges of turbine blades and make them unbalanced. Repair was complicated and expensive.
This "mechanical rake" kept the trash racks clean of leaves and small debris. Notice how the steel teeth fit between the metal slats and could slide up and down. The wheels rode on the rails which now have handrails attached.
The log jam is now a home for fish turtles and birds.
Sign funded by the students at Collegiate High School
Erected by James River Park System.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 37° 31.629′ N, 77° 27.386′ W. Marker was in Richmond, Virginia. It was in Belle and Mayo Islands. It could be reached from Tredegar Street 0.3 miles west of South 5th Street. Located on Belle Isle which can be reached via a pedestrian bridge from the north bank of the river. Touch for map. Marker
this page online
Regionally, this marker was in Central Virginia. It was also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 6 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Headgate Cleaner and Hydro Plant (a few steps from this marker); First Break Rapid (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Quarrying Broad Rock Island (about 700 feet away); Belle Isle Hydro Plant (about 700 feet away); Hollywood Rapids (approx. Ό mile away); Ironworks Oil House (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.
Other markers no longer nearby. Headgate (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, March 31, 2013
2. Headgate Cleaner
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. New Marker At This Location titled "Headgate Cleaner and Hydro Plant".
Credits. This page was last revised on April 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 1, 2013, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 874 times since then and 83 times this year. Last updated on April 13, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 1, 2013, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
