Eden in Rockingham County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
“River boat Men: Dan River, 1792 – 1892”
A Tribute
The mural of the river boatmen is a tribute to the men who were responsible for the economic development of the vast interior region along the Dan River. The most prominent figures in the mural, the African American boatmen in the foreground, reflect dignity and the community’s respect for them. The little known role of these boatmen is honored by this mural, which proclaims their important legacy to the community.
Throughout the nineteenth century in an era of poor roads, goods were transported by the bateaux until the arrival of railroads. Prior to the Civil War the batteaumen were primarily enslaved and free blacks and some whites. There is evidence of some boats being crewed entirely by slaves, including the captain. Regardless of their personal status, boatmen were respected for their boat building expertise and especially for their skills as pilots on the river. The figure in the mural with his hand on the sweep (tiller) is the batteau captain and pilot, responsible for the safe arrival of the boat’s crew and cargo.
After the Civil War, batteaumen were the region’s most important black entrepreneurs, continuing their dominance as builders, captains, and crewmen of the vessels, and becoming the owners as well. By 1870 there were some 200 batteaux on the river. The boatmen lived mostly in the river ports of Madison, Leaksville, and Milton in North Carolina and in the Virginia ports of South Boston, Clarksville, and especially in Danville, the river’s largest city. Edward Pollock of Danville wrote in 1870 that the boatmen were “important persons” valued for their skills who “wielded a certain amount of influence in the community.”
Rockingham County Historian
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.
Location. 36° 29.402′ N, 79° 45.86′ W. Marker is in Eden, North Carolina, in Rockingham County. Marker is at the intersection of Washington Street and Henry Street, on the right when traveling east on Washington Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Eden NC 27289, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. “Land of Eden” (approx. 0.2 miles away); Annie Eliza Johns (approx. ¼ mile away); Leaksville Landing (approx. ¼ mile away); Dan River (approx. 0.3 miles away); Luther H. Hodges (approx. 0.6 miles away); a different marker also named Land of Eden (approx. 0.6 miles away); a different marker also named “Land of Eden” (approx. 0.6 miles away); Leaksville Cotton Mill (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Eden.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 6, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 791 times since then and 33 times this year. Last updated on January 28, 2023, by Michael Buckner of Durham, North Carolina. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 6, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.