Gambles Hill in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Overshot Waterwheel
Photographed by Shane Oliver, October 22, 2016
1. Overshot Waterwheel Marker
Overshot waterwheels generated mechanical energy that operated all of Tredegar's furnaces and machinery from the time of the Iron Work's founding in 1837 until just after the American Civil War.
Turbines replaced Tredegar's waterwheel by the late 19th century, but one constant remained: Water was the fuel that powered Tredegar.
How Did They Work?
Belts and Pulleys
The resulting kinetic energy activated belts and pulleys that operated lathes and other powerful machinery inside Tredegar's nearby machine shop.
Drive Shaft
A long rod, called a drive shaft, rotated as the wheel turned, creating mechanical power.
Water
Water entered the top of the wheel and spilled over into each bucket, causing the wheel to turn.
From the Kanawha Canal - To the James River
Wind Box
Waterpower was also likely used to stoke the iron furnace inside Tredegar's Central Foundry. As the waterwheel turned, a small fanor wind boxpushed air into the furnace to intensify the fire.
Look!
This replica is representative of the many overshot waterwheels that once populated the site.
(caption)
The waterwheel fed energy to these long belts, which powered Tredegar's machine shops. The Valentine
This
this page online
Erected by Tredegar Iron Works and BB&T Bank.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1837.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 37° 32.105′ N, 77° 26.743′ W. Marker was in Richmond, Virginia. It was in Gambles Hill. It could be reached from Tredegar Street 0.1 miles west of South 5th Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 470 Tredegar Street, Richmond VA 23219, 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 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. within walking distance of this location: Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.
Other markers no longer nearby. Overshot Waterwheel (was a few steps from this marker but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it); Southern Firepower (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Southern Firepower (was a few steps from this marker but has been reported to have been replaced
Photographed by Shane Oliver, October 22, 2016
2. Reproduction of Tredegar's Overshot Waterwheel
Photographed by Shane Oliver, October 22, 2016
3. Historic Tredegar Iron Works
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Old Marker At This Location also titled "Overshot Waterwheel".
Credits. This page was last revised on January 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2017, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 896 times since then and 43 times this year. Last updated on January 19, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 18, 2017, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
