A Navigation Canal Becomes a Raceway

Photographed by Kevin W.

1. A navigation canal becomes a raceway Marker

Inscription. The Rappahannock Navigation system provided a means to transport bulk cargo between Fredericksburg and upriver farms and mines. In 1829, with financial assistance from Virginia’s Board for Public Works, the Rappahannock Company began construction of a series of canals and related dams. The canal section in front of you was three and one half miles long and routed boats around the river’s falls.

By 1849, a 50-mile navigation system had been extended upstream. Insufficient revenues, however, cause the Commonwealth to foreclose on its loan in 1853. In 1854-1855, the Fredericksburg Water Power Company acquired this portion of the navigation system and constructed a dam across the Rappahannock River that shortened this canal section by a mile and a half. This new structure altered the canal’s function from navigation to water power. This upper canal eventually powered several local industries.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1829.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 18.987′ N, 77° 29.161′ W. Marker was in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It could be reached from Fall Hill Avenue

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. Marker is at the northern entry point of the Old Canal Pathway. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Fredericksburg VA 22401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in the Washington Metropolitan Area

and in Northern Virginia.

It was also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found 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 location: Confederate Defenses in December 1862 (here, next to this marker); Confederate and Federal Defenses in May 1863 (a few steps from this marker); Rappahannock River Heritage Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); A Once Promising Canal Becomes a Raceway (within shouting distance of this marker); Fall Hill Road (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Tactical Terrain (approx. ¼ mile away); Industrial Interlude (approx. 0.3 miles away); Embrey Dam (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Civil War Defenses (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. New Marker At This Location titled "A Once Promising Canal Becomes a Raceway".

A navigation canal becomes a raceway Marker </b>is on the right image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin W.

2. A navigation canal becomes a raceway Marker is on the right

The foot bridge on the right crosses the old canal to a convenient parking area. Fall Hill Avenue traffic can be seen crossing in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,530 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 17, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 2. submitted on April 15, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.