Glasgow in Rockbridge County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Frank Padget Water Tragedy
Heavy rains in late Jan. 1854 left the James River and the treacherous Balcony Falls in full flood. On 21 Jan., the canal boat Clinton and its passengers became stranded in the raging waters. Frank Padget, a skilled boatman and slave, led four other men to rescue them. In a heroic attempt to save the last passenger, Padget drowned, unable to fight the rushing current. Capt. Edward Echols, who witnessed Padget’s act, was so moved he commissioned the construction of a granite obelisk monument that was erected beside Lock 16 of the Blue Ridge Canal. It now stands here in Glasgow’s Centennial Park.
Erected 2003 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number L-63.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Disasters • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1854.
Location. 37° 38.031′ N, 79° 27.029′ W. Marker is in Glasgow, Virginia, in Rockbridge County. Marker is at the intersection of Blue Ridge Road (County Route 684) and McCulloch Street, on the right on Blue Ridge Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Glasgow VA 24555, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Frank Padget (within shouting distance of this marker); Indian and Settler Conflict (approx. 0.6 miles away); Amherst County / Rockbridge County (approx. 2.1 miles away); The Courage Of Frank Padget (approx. 2.1 miles away); Falling Spring Presbyterian Church (approx. 4.3 miles away); Natural Bridge (approx. 5.1 miles away); A Miracle in Stone ... Old as the Dawn (approx. 5.1 miles away); a different marker also named Natural Bridge (approx. 5.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Glasgow.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 26, 2011, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,285 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 26, 2011, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.