Shockoe Slip in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Electric Trolley

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 25, 2009

1. Electric Trolley Marker

Inscription. In 1888, Richmond built the first commercially successful electric trolley system in the world.

The tops of the new cars were connected to an electrical line called a "troller" and thus became known as "trolleys."

Richmond's horse-drawn carriage line was replaced in May 1888 with a trolley system powered by electricity generated at this end of the Haxall Canal. The streetcars ran for 60 years before giving way to buses and cars.

Erected by Richmond Riverfront Canal Walk.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1888.

Location. 37° 32.024′ N, 77° 26.171′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in Shockoe Slip. Marker can be reached from the intersection of South 12th Street and East Byrd Street. This marker is on the Richmond Riverfront Canal Walk between S 12th Street and Virginia Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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. Christopher Newport Cross / Canal Walk (a few steps from this marker); Christopher Newport Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Ross' Mill Race (within shouting distance

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of this marker); James River & Kanawha Canal (within shouting distance of this marker); Tidewater Connection Locks (within shouting distance of this marker); Gallego Mill Flume (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hydroelectric Plant (about 300 feet away); The Center of Industry in 18th and 19th Century Richmond (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Also see . . .
1. Richmond’s Historic Canal Walk. Venture Richmond (Submitted on October 31, 2009.)

2. James River and Kanawha Canal Historic District. National Register of Historic Places (Submitted on October 31, 2009.)

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 25, 2009

2. Electric Trolley Marker

Electric Trolleys on Broad Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Louis Kaufmann & Sons

3. Electric Trolleys on Broad Street

VCU Libraries Digital Collections - Rarely Seen Richmond

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 31, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,138 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 31, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.