Belle and Mayo Islands in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Headgate

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 31, 2013

1. Headgate Marker

Inscription. The river brings logs and debris with every flood, but clear water is needed to push the turbine blades that turn electric generators. Logs were floated away through the gate in the dam straight ahead. (Look under the wheel.) Small debris was caught on the steel slats ("rack") under the walkway and cleaned off with the "rolling rake" to your right. (Note the steel rails in the walkway to which the handrails are now attached.)

The water went through this strainer, into the canal and to the hydro electric plant 200 yards to your left. This "raceway" is now full of trees, but the stone wall is visible along the side.

The high cost of maintenance made the electricity produced by the river energy unable to compete with that from inexpensive fossil fuels. The operation ceased in 19767.
Sign funded by the students at Collegiate High School

Erected by James River Park System.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.

Location. 37° 31.628′ N, 77° 27.374′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in Belle and Mayo Islands. Marker is on Tredegar Street, 0.3 miles west of South 5th Street. Located on Belle Isle which can be reached via

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a pedestrian bridge from the north bank of the river. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 470 Tredegar Street, Richmond VA 23219, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Headgate Cleaner (a few steps from this marker); Gun Emplacement (within shouting distance of this marker); First Break Rapids (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Belle Isle Hydro Plant (about 600 feet away); Quarry Pond (about 600 feet away); Quarry Equipment (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hollywood Rapids (approx. ¼ mile away); Belle Isle Rolling Milling and Slitting Manufactory (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 31, 2013

2. Headgate

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 1, 2013, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 439 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 1, 2013, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.