Appomattox River

Appomattox River. . The Appomattox River is one of two rivers that borders the City of Hopewell. The Appomattox River originates in Appomattox County and flows eastward through central Virginia in the counties of Chesterfield, Dinwiddie and Prince George as well as the cities of Petersburg, Colonial Heights, and Hopewell. The river is approximately 157 miles long. The river gets its name from the Native American tribe that lived along the banks of the river in the early 17th century known as the Appomattoc (sometimes spelled Appamattuck or with other variations)., The river's characteristics change drastically from Farmville to Hopewell. The river begins as a small winding creek, traverses a series of dams and rapids in and around the City of Petersburg, and significantly grows to a wide, sweeping bend at its confluence with the James River at City Point in Hopewell. The river has a long history with notable roles in the early exploration of America, the Civil War, and the industrial boom of the early 20th century. The Appomattox was once the only way to feasibly ship goods to Petersburg and other points further west., The river supported a bustling wharf during the American Civil War when City Point was occupied by Union Troops under the command of General Ulysses S. Grant. The wharf could see hundreds of ships on any given day carrying goods to and from other distribution points like City Point in support of war efforts., Today, the river is a popular destination for recreational boaters, fisherman, kayakers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Commercial shipping traffic still exists with sand and gravel barges navigating the narrow channel on a daily basis. Small commercial fishing operations have also occupied the waters of the Appomattox., A 20-mile section of the river from Lake Chesdin in Chesterfield County to City Point in Hopewell has been designated as a State Scenic River. The designation intends to protect rivers and streams that possess outstanding scenic, recreational, historic, and natural characteristics of statewide significance for future generations.