Chester in Chesterfield County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Tides
A changing landscape
| | Dutch Gap Conservation Area - A Changing Story | |
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, August 29, 2015
1. The Tides Marker
One of the most dramatic changes along the James River is the daily tide. The tides originating in the Atlantic Ocean influence the river all the way to the City of Richmond. Constant sources of freshwater from replenishing rainfalls and streams in the mountain and piedmont regions of Virginia make this section of the river freshwater tidal.
During low tides, mud flats and shorelines are more exposed. Birds such as the spotted sandpiper probe the exposed mud and shoreline for worms, crustaceans and fish. Raccoons and opossums scavenge along the shoreline at low tides looking for food. At high tide, smaller fish find refuge in the shallow waters along the shore.
Many fishermen time their fishing with the tide. During outgoing tides, smaller fish are forced into the deeper channels where larger, predatory fish are feeding. Recognizing this feeding time, fishermen cast their lures into the water with hopes of reeling in a trophy fish.
[Captions:]
Though separated by nearly 80 nautical miles from the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the Dutch Gap Conservation Area experiences a tidal change of 3 to 3½ feet. The photographs reveal the difference between low and high tide.
Erected by Dutch Gap Conservation Area, Chesapeake Bay
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 37° 22.6′ N, 77° 21.631′ W. Marker was in Chester, Virginia, in Chesterfield County. It could be reached from Henricus Park Road 1.3 miles east of Coxendale Road. Located in Henricus Historical Park 300 yards north of the parking lot. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 111 Henricus Park Rd, Chester VA 23836, United States of America.
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in Virginia’s Piedmont, in Central Virginia, and in the Richmond Metropolitan Area. 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: Mortar Pit (a few steps from this marker); USCTs At Dutch Gap (within shouting distance of this marker); Dutch Gap Canal (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bermuda Hundred Campaign (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lightkeepers House (within shouting distance of this marker); Henricopolis (within shouting distance of this marker); The Church of Henricopolis
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, August 29, 2015
2. The Tides Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. Dutch Gap (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); The James River...Floating Through The Centuries (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); Mount Malady (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . .
1. Dutch Gap Conservation Area. Chesterfield County Parks & Recreation. (Submitted on August 30, 2015.)
2. Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network. National Park Service (Submitted on August 30, 2015.)
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, August 29, 2015
3. Dutch Gap on the James River
Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 30, 2015, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 532 times since then and 13 times this year. Last updated on November 8, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 30, 2015, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
