Batesville in Albemarle County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Staunton and James River Turnpike
Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 2, 2009
1. Staunton and James River Turnpike Marker
Inscription.
Staunton and James River Turnpike. . The Staunton and James River Turnpike ran through here at Batesville and stretched for 43½ miles from Staunton to Scottsville. Construction began in 1826 and was completed by 1830. The turnpike provided a direct route for Shenandoah Valley farmers to transport agricultural products to Scottsville, then to Richmond via the James River and Kanawha Canal. Because the turnpike became impassable during wet weather, it was converted to a plank road (wooden boards laid crosswise to the road surface) beginning in 1849. The emergence of the railroad industry and the high cost of maintenance resulted in its disuse by the late 1850s and eventual incorporation into the country’s road system.
The Staunton and James River Turnpike ran
through here at Batesville and stretched for
43½ miles from Staunton to Scottsville.
Construction began in 1826 and was completed
by 1830. The turnpike provided a direct
route for Shenandoah Valley farmers to
transport agricultural products to Scottsville,
then to Richmond via the James River and
Kanawha Canal. Because the turnpike became
impassable during wet weather, it was
converted to a plank road (wooden boards laid
crosswise to the road surface) beginning in
1849. The emergence of the railroad industry
and the high cost of maintenance resulted in
its disuse by the late 1850s and eventual incorporation into the country’s road system.
Erected 2003 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number GA-40.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1826.
Location. 37° 59.719′ N, 78° 43.32′ W. Marker is in Batesville, Virginia, in Albemarle County. Marker is on Plank Road (County Route 692) just west of Miller School Road (County Route 635), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Batesville VA 22924, United States of America. Touch for directions.
On the right is Plank Road's intersection with Miller School Road.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 2, 2009
3. The Batesville Store and Post Office
The store is across the parking lot from the marker on Plank Road.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,165 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on August 16, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.