Central Office District in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Downtown Richmond Millsites
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, January 13, 2010
1. Downtown Richmond Millsites Marker
HOLLYWOOD: A flour mill was operating by 1800. Canal water powered a paper mill beginning in 1887, and a 2,100 kilowatt hydroelectric plant from 1940 to 1972. River water powered a City hydroelectric plant until 1986.
TREDEGAR: Canal water powered a flour mill by 1801, the Armory by 1802, and Tredegar Iron Works beginning in 1837.
BASIN RACE: Basin water supplied a mill race which powered a paper mill beginning in 1834.
GALLEGO MILLS: Basin water powered flour mills beginning in 1834.
HAXALL MILLS: River water powered Rosss Mill by 1788. Haxall Canal water powered flour mills from 1809 to 1894, and an 8,800 kilowatt hydroelectric plant from 1901 to 1968.
BELLE ISLE: River water powered an iron works by 1848, and filled a basin which powered a 3,000 kilowatt hydroelectric plant from 1914 to 1965.
MANCHESTER: Manchester Mill Canal was open by 1804, and powered a series of mills: in 1895, two paper mills, acorn mill, and a flour mill; and from 1925 to 1965 a 1,000 kilowatt hydroelectric plant.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1800.
Location.
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 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Kanawha Plaza (within shouting distance of this marker); The First National Bank Building (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Great Turning Basin (about 800 feet away); a different marker also named Great Turning Basin (approx. 0.2 miles away); Richmond Evacuation Fire (approx. 0.2 miles away); Oliver White Hill Sr. (approx. 0.2 miles away); Richmond Bread Riot (approx. 0.2 miles away); Stewart-Lee House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.
Other markers no longer nearby. Basin Race (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing); Canal Walk (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); Evacuation of Richmond (was within shouting distance
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, January 13, 2010
2. Downtown Richmond Millsites Marker
More about this marker. On top is a map showing the site of Richmond mills.
Also see . . . James River and Kanawha Canal Historic District. National Register of Historic Places (Submitted on January 18, 2010.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 18, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,541 times since then and 40 times this year. Last updated on October 20, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 18, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
