Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
A Navigation Canal Becomes a Raceway
By 1849, a 50-mile navigation system had been extended upstream. Insufficient revenues, however, cause the Commonwealth to foreclose on its loan in 1853. In 1854-1855, the Fredericksburg Water Power Company acquired this portion of the navigation system and constructed a dam across the Rappahannock River that shortened this canal section by a mile and a half. This new structure altered the canal’s function from navigation to water power. This upper canal eventually powered several local industries.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1829.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 18.987′ N, 77° 29.161′ W. Marker was in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Marker could be reached from Fall Hill Avenue. Marker is at the northern entry point of the Old Canal Pathway. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Fredericksburg VA 22401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Confederate Defenses in December 1862 (here, next to this marker); Confederate and Federal Defenses in May 1863 (a few steps from this marker); Rappahannock River Heritage Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); A Once Promising Canal Becomes a Raceway (within shouting distance of this marker); Fall Hill Road (approx. 0.2 miles away); Tactical Terrain (approx. 0.2 miles away); Industrial Interlude (approx. 0.3 miles away); Embrey Dam (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. New Marker At This Location titled "A Once Promising Canal Becomes a Raceway".
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,350 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 17, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 2. submitted on April 15, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.