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

Hollywood Rapids

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 31, 2013

1. Hollywood Rapids Marker

Inscription. The rapids to your left are named for the cemetery on the hill straight ahead. The granite rocks that cause them are part of a geological scar that stretches 1000 miles from New Jersey to Georgia. It resulted from the clash of the continents of Africa and North America 250 million years ago.

The curved shaped rocks are the result of silt in the river grinding down the granite. Flat and sharp-edged rocks (seen at low water levels) are a result of former quarrying operations. Some curb and cobblestones downtown probably came from here.

The white water is a result of river current falling back up stream after it goes over a rock. It can be easily seen in the small riffles below you. Can you also find the miniature V-shaped tongues of smooth water that mark the entrances to even tiny rapids?
Funded by a donation to the J.R.P. Fund by Blue Ridge Mt. Sports

Erected by James River Park System.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features.

Location. 37° 31.797′ N, 77° 27.208′ 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

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. 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. Native American Fishing (within shouting distance of this marker); Quarry Equipment (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Belle Isle Rolling Milling and Slitting Manufactory (about 600 feet away); Ironworks Oil House (about 600 feet away); Canons (sic) and Corpses (about 600 feet away); Cannon over the Camp (about 700 feet away); Belle Isle Hydro Plant (about 800 feet away); Quarry Pond (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 31, 2013

2. Hollywood Rapids Marker

Hollywood Rapids image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 31, 2013

3. Hollywood Rapids

Great Blue Heron on the James River below Hollywood Cemetery.

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 1,019 times since then and 91 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 1, 2013, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.