George Washington’s vision for a canal system in Virginia began in the 18th century to bypass the falls of the James river. By 1840, the canal was completed from Richmond to Lynchburg and passengers, wheat, and tobacco filled the boats that cruised its waters. The railroad thundered onto the scene by the 1880′s and canal travel was obsolete. By the turn of the century, the canals were abandoned and fell into disrepair. Today Richmond’s canal has been restored and flat-bottomed boats steered by your captain offer unmatched views of the city of Richmond as well as the natural beauty of the James River. (more…)
Posts Tagged ‘canal cruise boats’
Canal Cruise Through Richmond’s Past
Thursday, May 13th, 2010Godspeed is coming!
Friday, September 18th, 2009This weekend will be exciting at our historic Fan District Bed and Breakfast in Richmond, Virginia. Publick Days at Henricus Historical Park will be the happening attraction. A reproduction of Godspeed, one of the three ships that brought settlers to Jamestown, will be at the park and open for tours. The park recreates colonoial life with this special event on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20 between 10 am and 5 pm. There will be a Powhatan English Tactical demonstration with a live “call to arms” and a mock Indian attack! You’ll also see blacksmiths, carpenters, and a lesson in 17th century surgery and medical practices. For more information, check www.henricus.org or call (804) 748-1613.
Also on the scorecard is “Country to the City” Forest Hill House Tour, where nine homes will be open to ticket-holders in the tree-shaded South Richmond neighborhood of Forest Hill. For more information, see www.foresthillneighborhood.com or call (804) 519-0214.
The canal cruise boats are still running; “Victorians at Home,” costumed ladies and gentlement guide tours at Maymont, Richmond’s own Gilded Age mansion; Sunday is a walking tour of Monroe Ward; American Bluegrass Masters will perform at the Carpenter Theater (CenterStage); and on Sunday evening 5 PM Susan Greenbaum concert sponsored by the Fan District Association will take place in Meadow Park, a few blocks from here.
So much to do, so little time.
