Rockbridge Baths in Rockbridge County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Cedar Grove
Here at the head of small-boat navigation on the Maury (North) River, Cedar Grove had become a transportation hub and market center by the 1830s. The community grew along with the region's iron industry, which played an important role in Virginia's economic development. When water conditions permitted, enslaved and free boatmen used bateaux to transport iron from local furnaces and forges, as well as flour and other goods, to Lynchburg and Richmond. Served by two toll roads, Cedar Grove featured mercantile stores, a gristmill, warehouses, and a post office. The decline of the local iron industry later in the 1800s and disuse of the river for transportation led to the town's abandonment.
Erected 2023 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number L-26.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list.
Location. 37° 52.982′ N, 79° 23.082′ W.
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Regionally, this marker is in the Mountain Region. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds 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 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Pierre Daura (approx. 1.6 miles away); Birthplace of Sam Houston (approx. 3.1 miles away); a different marker also named Birthplace of Sam Houston (approx. 3.1 miles away); Liberty Hall Academy (approx. 3.1 miles away);
Another marker is no longer nearby. Birthplace of Sam Houston (was approx. 3.1 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Credits. This page was last revised on April 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 30, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 18 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 30, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
