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

Headgate Cleaner

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 31, 2013

1. Headgate Cleaner Marker

Inscription. Water leading to the power plant was kept clean by passing it through slats in the headgate called trash racks. Bits of wood can wear away the edges of turbine blades and make them unbalanced. Repair was complicated and expensive.

This "mechanical rake" kept the trash racks clean of leaves and small debris. Notice how the steel teeth fit between the metal slats and could slide up and down. The wheels rode on the rails which now have handrails attached.

The log jam is now a home for fish turtles and birds.
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° 31.629′ N, 77° 27.386′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in Belle and Mayo Islands. Marker can be reached from Tredegar Street, 0.3 miles west of South 5th Street. Located on Belle Isle which can be reached via 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 (a few steps from this marker); Gun Emplacement (within shouting distance of this marker);

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First Break Rapids (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Quarry Pond (about 700 feet away); Belle Isle Hydro Plant (about 700 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.

Headgate Cleaner image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 31, 2013

2. Headgate Cleaner

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 486 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 1, 2013, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.