Enon in Chesterfield County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Welcome to R. Garland Dodd Park at Point of Rocks
Captain John Smith's Adventures on the James
— www.johnsmithtrail.org —
Gabriel Archer wrote about a high rock cliff that projected into the channel of the Appomattox River upstream of its confluence with the James. When exploring the river in 1608, Smith found verdant marshes the likes of which can still be seen here at R. Garland Dodd Park at Point of Rocks.
Capt. John Smith’s Trail
John Smith knew the James River by its Algonquian name: Powhatan, the same as the region’s paramount chief. Smith traveled the river many times between 1607 and 1609, trading with Virginia Indians to ensure survival at Jamestown. What he saw of Virginia’s verdant woodlands and pristine waters inspired him to explore the greater Chesapeake Bay, chronicling its natural wonders.
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Trail Walking
This short, well-trod loop passes diverse terrain: hillsides forested in mature hardwoods, the cattail-and-cordgrass marsh along Ashton Creek, and the wide Appomattox River.
Over Looking.
Search for wildlife in the wild rice marsh as you walk along Ashton Creek boardwalk. Virginia Indians relied on these fresh water marshes for some of their food supply.
Bird Watching.
A Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) rests in Arrow Arum (Peltandra virginica). The large rhizome of this plant was dried and grounded by the Virginia Indians for making breads and soups.
Snakes.
A Black Rat Snake (Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta) is coiled in the grass. Most of the snakes that live in the marsh are not poisonous and serve an important role in maintaining a balanced food chain.
Erected by Captain John Smith’s Trail, James River Association, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network. (Marker Number 15.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Native Americans • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1608.
Location. 37° 19.31′ N, 77° 21.32′ W. Marker is in Enon, Virginia, in Chesterfield County. Marker can be reached from Enon Church Road (Virginia Route 746) near Ramblewood Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 Enon Church Road, Chester VA 23836, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Point of Rocks (here, next to this marker); Confederate Leaders (a few steps from this marker); The Bermuda Hundred Campaign-Federal Leaders (a few steps from this marker); The Bermuda Hundred Campaign Begins (a few steps from this marker); Opening Actions of the Bermuda Hundred Campaign (approx. 0.2 miles away); Grant's Virginia Campaigns (approx. 0.2 miles away); Actions in the East 1861-1863 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Federal War Plans for 1864 (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Enon.
More about this marker. On the left is a map of the park layout.
On the upper right is a map of Capt. John Smith's Trail with the caption, "Capt John Smith’s Trail on the James is a 40-site water and auto tour for modern explorers."
On the center right is map of Civil War Earthworks in the park.
On the bottom are photos of the park flora and fauna.
Also see . . .
1. Chesterfield's Role in the Civil War - The Bermuda Hundred Campaign. Chesterfield website entry (Submitted on November 29, 2009.)
2. Point of Rocks - National Register of Historic Places. Virginia Department of Historic Resources website entry (Submitted on December 9, 2009.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 27, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,383 times since then and 81 times this year. Last updated on September 10, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 27, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 4. submitted on November 29, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 5. submitted on November 27, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on November 29, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.