Reedville in Northumberland County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Foggy River
The Foggy River was built in 1961 at the Reedville Marine Railway for Charles Bowels by George P. Butler, the second of three generations to own and operate the railway. As is the custom at the shop, there were no plans on paper - just discussions prior to and during the construction as the boat took shape.
Initially designed to be used to fish pound nets in the spring and early summer, she was later modified with a larger engine and other gear to go crab dredging in the winter. Like many Menhaden captains, Foggy River was a means for Captain Bowls to generate income when the menhaden season was closed. It is likely that many workboats, could be modified for a variety of activities.
When he retired from the water, Captain Bowles sold the Foggy River to be used for recreational gillnetting. She was later discovered by George Verlander of Montross lying unused at the head of a creek off the Corrotman River. He bought her and used her commercially on the Potomac River until the engine failed. He then donated her to the Museum.
Erected by Reedville Fishermen's Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed
this page online
Location. 37° 50.61′ N, 76° 16.497′ W. Marker is in Reedville, Virginia, in Northumberland County. It can be reached from Main Street south of Reed Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 474 Main St, Reedville VA 22539, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Virginia’s Northern Neck. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in the Tidewater, in the Chesapeake Bay Region, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, 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 walking distance of this marker: Brass Propeller (a few steps from this marker); Chesapeake Bay's Butler Boats
Credits. This page was last revised on May 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 9, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 9, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
