James River and Kanawha Canal
The James River and Kanawha Canal The James River, one of Virginia’s largest rivers, is a historic river. Two smaller rivers that converge in Clifton Forge, Virginia, the Jackson and the Cowpasture form the James. Because of its proximity to the central part of the state, the James was utilized for the majority of travel between west central Virginia and the Tidewater area. ... Many years before his presidency, George Washington saw the importance of this river and the benefits it would have for political as well as economic projects for the entire region. Washington first introduced the Canal project to the House of Burgesses during the regular session in 1774. ... The war with England took precedent, and the canal project was killed. ... After the war, he traveled the river once again, and still realized the great importance this river could provide. In a letter dated October 10, 1784 to then Governor of Virginia Benjamin Harrison, Washington makes his argument for the Canal project. ... These immigrants have no alliance with the people of the east, therefore they can just as easily trade down river as to trade eastwardly. He understands the ramifications that if trade is not opened for these westerners to do business with the east, they will take their trade business down the Mississippi River and begin trading with Spain. ... Washington’s canal plans were strongly approved by Harrison. ... November 15, 1784 was a great day for George Washington and his canal project. While meeting with the Virginia Assembly, Washington discussed his improvement plans for the river. During this meeting the James River Company was incorporated. The company would be responsible for “clearing and extending the navigation of the James River from tidewater up to the highest parts practicable on the main branch …and to cut canals and erect locks or other works on the sides of the said river”. ... Another reason that Washington wanted to stretch the canal to what is now Buchanan is because that is where the river intersected with the Great Valley Turnpike (currently U. ... By the following month, a bill was introduced in the House to begin the actual opening and extension of navigation of the James River. ... To help fund the canal project, the bill provided for subscriptions to be sold from February 1, 1785 until August 10, 1785. ... In addition to these provisions, the bill clearly stated how the company would proceed in collecting tolls: The tolls herein before allowed to be demanded shall be paid on condition only, that the said “James River Company” shall make the river well capable of being navigated in dry seasons by vessels drawing one foot of water at least, from the highest place practicable to the great falls, beginning at Westham, and shall at or near the said falls, make such cut or cuts, canal or canals, with sufficient locks, if necessary, each of eighty feet in length, and sixteen feet in breadth, as will open a navigation to tidewater, in all places at least twenty-five feet wide, except at such locks, and capable of conveying vessels or rafts drawing four feet of water at least, into tidewater, or shall render such part of the river navigable in the natural course. ... He was so interested in the success of the project however, that he allowed his name to be used as leader of the James River Company regardless.