Monroe in Amherst County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
A Lock Canal / A Lift Lock
National Park Service, Thomas Stone National Historic Site, May 24, 2019
1. A Lock Canal, A Lift Lock Marker
A Lock Canal
When a river was too swift or shallow for navigation, shippers used canals with lift locks. The canals paralleled the river, using it as a water source.
(image)
(not to scale) river surface, canal and lock sites.
A Lift Lock
Upstream-bound boat enters lock
Gates close
Water enters through sluice gate, raising boat.
With levels equal gates open; boat continues on.
Downstream traffic uses the reverse sequence.
Erected by National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 37° 33.26′ N, 79° 21.979′ W. Marker is in Monroe, Virginia, in Amherst County. Marker can be reached from Blue Ridge Parkway (at milepost 63.6), 0.3 miles east of Lee Jackson Highway (U.S. 501), on the left when traveling south. 10 minute walk from the James River Visitor Center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Monroe VA 24574, 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. The Lock Gate (a few steps from this marker); Battery Creek Lock (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Battery Creek Lock
this page online
Also see . . . Blue Ridge Parkway | JAMES RIVER CANAL TRAIL (MP 63.6). (Submitted on August 5, 2019.)
National Park Service, Thomas Stone National Historic Site, May 24, 2019
2. A Lock Canal, A Lift Lock Marker
National Park Service, Thomas Stone National Historic Site, May 24, 2019
3. Battery Creek Lock of the James River and Kanawha Canal
National Park Service, Thomas Stone National Historic Site, May 24, 2019
4. Battery Creek Lock of the James River and Kanawha Canal
National Park Service, Thomas Stone National Historic Site, May 24, 2019
5. James River Visitor Center Entrance Sign
Credits. This page was last revised on January 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 5, 2019. This page has been viewed 202 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 5, 2019. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
