"The Year Saw the Completion of the Newport News Highway Known as the Pocahontas Trail. " 100 Years Ago

 ROBERTSON ACT SAVED SECTION

 Richmond District Allocations for the Past Year Were $536,000.

FAST TIME ON ROADS 

           Completion of Pocahontas Trail to Newport News One of Big Jobs.

 Great progress war made this year in the completion of Virginia highways despite the limited funds which were available for the state highway system. The Robertson Act saved the situation in the Richmond section of state, funds advanced under its terms being responsible for much of the road construction around Richmond. The district's allocations for the state system for the year totaled only $536,000.

 During the winter weather conditions were unusually, good and contractors made fast time on road contracts. Continuous rains fell in the and early summer and construction fell. In the late summer and during the fall weather conditions improved with the result that many sections of the state system were completed.

 The year saw the completion of the Newport News highway known as the Pocahontas Trail. The work this year was between Richmond and Toano, a distance of 41.3 miles. This, like that of the highway from Toano to this coast, is of concrete except a stretch of 5.2 miles of asphaltic concrete between Richmond and Seven Pines and a link of ten miles of gravel between Bottoms Bridge and Providence Forge. The road between Bottoms Bridge and New Kent Courthouse was graded and drained and graveled during the year. This is thirteen miles in length.

- News Leader, 27 December 1924

Better Highways- 1914 to 1924

               

              BETTER HIGHWAY TO THE MOUTH OF JAMES RIVER 

         Country People Start Movement for Auto Road From Richmond to  Newport  News. 

        THE CHICKAHOMINY ASSOCIATION 

   Highway Building Organization Inspired by Rural School Teacher- To  Make Route Shorter and better. 

The teacher of the Mt. Pleasant School, near Roxbury, Va., several weeks ago announced to some of her patrons that the next league meeting would he a good-roads meeting, and invited all to he present. From this meeting a movement developed which promises not only to improve some of the roads in the neighborhood of Mt Pleasant School, In Charles City County, but the movement has spread into portions of three counties.

 It promises to develop one certain piece of road that will be of interest to several hundred Richmond people, including agents from wholesale houses, lumbermen, club men, Chickahominy fishermen and tourists. In addition to being a great benefit and convenience to the natives along its way. 

 This work is just in its infancy, having reached its present proportions in a little more than two weeks. So many substantial and energetic people have become interested that, as a result, all the people are aroused along this road.

 On the night of May 2 a meeting of Charles City and New Kent people was held in the Masonic Building at Providence Forge. The work of aiding and improving the roads was taken up In a systematic way. An organization was formed, to be known as the Chickahominy Highway Association, with the following officers: Fred S. Bock, president, Roxbury, Va.; W.P. Tunstall, chairman board of supervisors New Kent County, treasurer, Roxbury, Va., and R.E. Mountcastle, secretary, Providence Forge, Va.

              NEW ROAD FROM RICHMOND DOWN TO NEWPORT NEWS 

The work that this association is undertaking for this year will be devoted chiefly to one piece of road. The plan is to begin at the Henrico line, in Charles city County, three miles west of Roxbury; thence across the long bridges to Mountcastle by way of Providence Forge, Windsor Shades, Walkers and Diascund, where it joins a good dirt road to Toano, Williamsburg and on to the macadamized road into Newport News.

 The starting point on the Henrico line, three miles west of Roxbury, can be reached by four different roads from Richmond, viz.: the Darbeytown Road, the Fort Lee Road, the Seven Pines Road and the New Market Road; the latter, leading by Curl's Neck, being the longest route. The difference in the distances between the Darbeytown Road, the Fort Lee Road and the Seven Pines Road is not over one and one half miles, but undoubtedly the best road hiring bad weather Is the Seven Pines Road, for the reason that it is; nearly all macadamized to the Henrico line, and will be completed by the middle of the summer.

 From the Henrico line to Roxbury the road is in fair condition for automobiles now; from Roxbury to Providence Forge, the road is in bad condition, but being improved at this time by private subscription, aided by the board of Supervisors. 

                           A BIG WORK BY DETERMINED PEOPLE 

This work is no small undertaking, but the people are not going to be discouraged, showing their willingness to aid with their money and work. The Chickahominy Association is asking all who are interested In a better road and a shorter route from Newport News to Richmond to aid in this work with their money and labor.

 One hundred dollars was raised by the people in the neighborhood of Roxbury and from a few Richmond tourists, aided by a like amount from the supervisors, and the bad places in the road were repaired from the Henrico line to Roxbury, This expenditure is to be supplemented later by the regular appropriation allowed for this road, along with other amounts that may be subscribed. Another $100 was subscribed by the people between Roxbury and Providence Forge, which is to be met by a like amount by the District Supervisor, which amount is to be used between Roxbury and Providence Forge. The subscription paper for this road has only been in circulation for three days. It is the intention of the association to bring this movement to the attention of the various Richmond and Newport New clubs along the Chickahominy River. A person traveling from Newport News to Richmond by automobile is never farther than one and a half miles from the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad, making it easy to reach the railroad at any time.

 The subscriptions are used in each case on the section of the road that the subscribers may designate, and is nearly as possible on any specific spot they may name. As the money will be spent by the county supervisors. who are co-operating with the association it is left to their discretion, to a certain extent, as to how the different amounts may be spent. The work will depend largely upon the amounts subscribed and the number of times the road equipment would have to be moved.

                   WILL KEEP THE PUBLIC FULLY ADVISED OF PROGRESS

 A complete report will be made and published in three months, showing the work that the organization is doing, and the amount and manner in which the money was raised and spent. At the end of this period the association inspects to he able to inform automobilists that a fair automobile route is open for them from Richmond to Newport News, by way of Roxbury, Providence Forge. Windsor Shades and Diascund, which, at all points. is near the C & O Railroad and is eleven miles shorter than the route by way of Bottoms Bridge. Talleysville, New Kent Courthouse and Barhamsville.

 If any one wishes further information or people wish to aid in this public benefit movement they have only to correspond with the officers of the association named above.

 President Bock say: "It is earnestly hoped that work of this nature will be heartily supported everywhere as the benefit is for all both in pleasure and business, and especially for our school children. What man would not help our children in such a move for better roads, better schools and better life in the country."

-Times Dispatch, 10 May 1914

The year saw the completion of the Newport News highway known as the Pocahontas Trail. The work this year was between Richmond and Toano, a distance of 41.3 miles. This, like that part of the highway from Toano to the coast is of concrete except a stretch of 5.2 miles of asphaltic concrete* between Richmond and Seven Pines, and a link of ten miles of gravel roadway between Bottoms Bridge and Norge. The road between Bottoms Bridge and New Kent Courthouse was graded and drained and partly graveled during the year. This is section is thirteen miles in length.

-News Leader, 27 December 1924

* i.e. blacktop

Report on the York River Railroad- 1861

 

REPORT OF ENGINEER AND SUPERINTENDENT 

                                                                      OFFICE ENG. AND SUPR. & Y.R.RR                                                                                                              October 1 1861 

GENTLEMEN, The annual report from this office is confined entirely to the operations incident to the completion, its present condition and necessities of the road. 

  As to the operations in the transportation department, receipts, disbursements, &c, you are referred to the report of the treasurer, which is believed to compare favorably with that of the preceding year.

  Completion of road to West Point 

 At the date of the last report the, 38th section, together with the wharf at the eastern terminus, remained unfinished, although the road had been in operation to West Point over a temporary track since the 1st day of August.

 The 1st day of January found the work still unfinished, when the contract was abandoned, and it was carried on to completion by the company at a cost much below the contractor's prices. The wharf is built in the most substantial manner, of superior materials, and capable of sustaining the heaviest locomotives.

 On the 29th day of March last the company's steamer West Point made her first connection with the train at the proper terminus of the road. 

 From this date the through working of the road may be considered to commence having been heretofore restricted to a very light freight business owing to the difficulty in the way of transhipment at West Point. 

Condition of road bed road repairs &c 

 During the year a very considerable portion of the road bed has been improved, by being partially ballasted with sand and gravel, an inexhaustible quantity of which is found upon the line; and I would recommend a thorough improvement of the road in this respect, as the comfort, safety and reduced cost of repairs to road and machinery will afford an ample return for the investment.

 The wet nature of some parts of the road requiring constant attention to protect the iron, and the constant ditching required to keep the heavy sand cuts upon other portions clear, run up the cost of road repairs beyond the usual figures at best; but during the last year, which has been peculiarly trying upon all the roads in the state, this account is increased by a number of heavy slides and the carrying away of several embankments.

 The most troublesome of these are the slides at Romancoke bluffs, upon the Pamunkey, where a change of alignment has been determined upon, and a force engaged in carrying it into effect 

                                              Bridging trestle work and cutouts 

 The Pamunkey and Upper Black creek bridges sustained some injury from the high waters of last spring, but were repaired at light cost. The latter will require an abutment to be replaced; the foundation of which yielded to the action of the water, the bridge being now supported by a wooden abutment at that end Lower Black Creek, Chickahominy and Cohoke bridges are in good order. Gillies' creek trestle has been nearly filled in, and the work is now suspended for the want of cars.

 The trestle across Chickahominy bottom requires to be filled in, which when done, will necessitate the introduction of another span of fifty feet, and the building of the necessary abutments. The present single span of fifty feet, which rests upon pile abutments, will not afford sufficient water way.

 There are several smaller streams, crossed by light trestles, which I would recommend to replace with culverts.

Buildings turnouts water stations &c 

 During the year there has been completed, at Richmond, a substantial and convenient brick passenger depot, with extensive shed attached, sufficient to accommodate the passenger and baggage cars now upon the road.

 At Fair Oaks and Summit, there are neither turnouts or buildings of any description, nor does the business of the former point require any at present.

 At Meadow, Dispatch and Tunstall's, the only other points west of the Pamunkey, sufficient buildings and turnouts had been completed prior to the date of the last report.

 At Fish Hall*, Cohoke, Sweet Hall, Romancoke and West Point, there are neither buildings or turnouts, except at Romancoke and West Point- at each of which places there is a single siding. The grading of the depot lot at Richmond has so far progressed during the year to admit of the side tracks being run under the shed, and the passenger cars, while at this end of the line are now protected from the weather.

 The temporary track through the village of West Point has not been removed, owing to the unimproved condition of the streets connecting the depot lot with the high land, and the convenience it afforded of delivering ordnance, supplies, &c. at that point being a military post.

 It is designed, however, as soon as the proper crossings to and necessary buildings at the terminus of the road have been completed, to remove this, as the iron and ties are needed at other points.

 There are three water stations upon the line: one at Richmond, supplied, without pumping, from Bloody run spring; one at Dispatch, supplied by means of rams, from Carter's mill pond, and the other at the crossing of the Pamunkey river, supplied by hand pump.

 It is proposed to erect a wind mill to do the pumping at West Point, which, if it succeeds, and it can scarcely prove a failure at so exposed a point near the sea coast, labor in this department will become unnecessary, and a saving of 300 per annum effected.

Outfit

 We have four engines- the York and Atlantic, new and in good order; the Mattaponi and Pamunkey, in as good condition as age and hard work permit, having been purchased of the Central rail road company (then old machines) and run constantly since the track laying on your road commenced. The Pamunkey, which went down with the slide at Romancoke bluff, and was reduced to a wreck, has been repaired, and is again at work.  

During the unusual wet weather of last spring an accident occurred, resulting in no damage, except to the road bed, unheard of before, I believe, in the history of roads.

 An embankment upon the lower end of the line gave way with a section of track under the engine Atlantic, while standing letting it down to a bearing fifteen feet below the grade of the road, without getting off the iron or losing its perpendicular. The engine was gotten out without being injured in the slightest degree.

 We have four first class passenger cars, one baggage car, ten box and fifteen flat cars, four material (side dumpers) cars and fifteen small ditching. hand and crank cars.

 Under many of the freight cars new trucks of a superior kind, built at our own shops, have been introduced; and from time to time, until all the old ones have been replaced, which are of a light and imperfect character, this work will be carried on.

 An express and baggage car has been commenced, and, during the coming year, it is calculated to make such additions to our insufficient amount of stock as the means of the company and facilities for doing so will admit. 

(then followed an item list of the cost of putting the road in a "thorough state of completion" and costs of equipment.)

 - Annual Report of the Board of Public Works to the General ..., Parts 3-4 Doc. 17

The Chief Engineer writing this is Robert H. Temple of Gloucester (1831-1901)

Further information in the report states that the line 38.3 miles long, has four engines, four passenger cars, one mail/express car, and 46 freight cars. 

A first class ticket was 5 cents a mile.

*Lestor Manor

Improving the Chickahominy- 1818

Notice-- That a petition will be presented to the next General Assembly of Virginia, praying that a law may pass for the clearing out the course of Chickahominy Swamp from the Mechanicsville turnpike road in the county of Henrico, to Windsor Shades in the county of New Kent. 

All person interested in and desirous of encouraging this very useful scheme of internal improvements, are invited to meet at Park’s tavern (formerly Mrs. Frazer's) in the county of New Kent, on the second Saturday June next, at 12 o'clock.  

The attendance of the members of the legislature of the counties of Hanover, Henrico, Charles City, New Kent, James City, and the city of Richmond, is particularly desired.

To the honorable the Speakers and Members of the General Assembly of Virginia. 

The petition of a number of the inhabitants of the counties of Hanover, Henrico, Charles City, New Kent James City, and of the city of Richmond, most respectfully represents, 

That the Chickahominy Swamp or Creek as a stream which furnishes a greater portion of bottom land in proportion to its size, than any other water course in the state of Virginia; that the lands are generally capable of being rendered very productive both in Indian coin, oats, and a variety of grasses, as well natural as artificial, and that great quantities of most valuable timber will be found to be the growth of those wide portions; but that all the advantages which this extensive and fertile tract of country presents, have heretofore been engaged in a very limited degree, in consequence of obstructions to the free passage of the water, causing a general overflowing of the low grounds to the immense injury of crops and to the impossibility of taking out the superfluous timber. 

Many Individual and spirited attempts have been made to remove such obstructions as were contiguous to the property of such individuals; but the experience of more than forty years has evinced that such attempts must ever prove abortive, unless a general and voluntary co-operation of all the property holders, in conducting the work can be established, an event which the most sanguine of your petitioners can never expect to see realized. Believing as we do that all the land on both sides of the Chickahominy river, from Windsor Shades in the county of New Kent, to the Mechanicsville turnpike road, where the same crosses the swamp, will be essentially benefited by a successful attempt to remove the obstructions in the run, that a convenient boat navigation maybe thereby formed for the greater part of the above mentioned distance, and that both effects will very much add to the growing importance of the capital of the state your petitioners indulge the hope that your honorable body will most cheerfully pass a law authorizing the county courts of Hanover, Henrico Charles City and New Kent, once in every year each to appoint a director holding land on the Chickahominy Swamp, which four, when so appointed, shall choose a fifth to act as their president; that the five directors shall have power to perform all maters relative to the widening, straightening and deepening the Chickahominy, which they may consider conducive to the general good; and that they shall have power, with the aid of the county surveyor of each county, to make an exact and connected survey of all the bottom land belonging to each person, bordering on or being a part of said swamp, or low grounds: which survey, together with the probable estimates of the expenses in the incurred in each year, shall be made in the several county courts before mentioned. And your petitioners further pray that the four county courts before mentioned shall have full power and authority to make assessment in each year upon all the lauds so reported to them by the directors, of a sum not exceeding twenty five cents per acre, to be collected and distrained for by the sheriffs of the respective counties, in like manner as county levies are directed by law to be collected and to be paid, when collected, by the order of the board of directors, and that the powers so to be granted to the courts shall continue to be exercised for ten years, if in the opinion of the directors it shall so long be required. And your petitioners will, as in duty bound, pray, &c. 

May 22.

-Richmond Enquirer, 26 May 1818

Map of the York River Railroad

Find below a good map of the York River Railroad as it existed at the time of the Civil war. The railroad had only been completed in 1859 and so had hardly been in use long before it became an important operational objective of the military campaigns in Tidewater Virginia.

The image is from the Library of Congress map collection and the description for it reads, "Sketch from the Confederate Engineer Bureau in Richmond, Va. General J.F. Gilmer, Chief Engineer[.] Presented to the Virginia Historical Society by his only daughter, Mrs. J.F. Minis, Sav[ana]h, Ga."A Georgia born engineer, Jeremy Francis Gilmer (February 23, 1818 – December 1, 1883), was Chief Engineer of the Department of Northern Virginia from August 1862 until the summer of 1863.

Library of Congress

Below a blow up of the section in New Kent

The New Kent section is a little lacking in detail, so some explanation is needed. The red lines represent roads. Where the road crosses the line closest to the Chickahominy River that was the location of Dispatch Station. The next road crossing is the site of Summit Station, renamed after war Quinton Station.

Below the West Point/Eltham/ Brickshouse area.

The Steamer West Point- April 1861

RICHMOND AND YORK RIVER

      RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT LINE

STEAMER WEST POINT, Capt. J.C. Rowe, leaves Norfolk MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS and FRIDAYS At 6 A.M. connecting with the CARS at White House at 2 P.M., and arrive in Richmond at 3:15 P.M.  

Passenger Train leaves Richmond DAILY at 6 A.M.,  (Sundays excepted.) connecting at White House with Steamer for Norfolk on TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS and SATURDAYS. Returning, on TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS SATURDAYS, Car leave White House at 11 A.M., and arrive in Richmond 12:15 P.M.  

 April 2d                                       R.H. TEMPLE Gen'l Supt. 

-Richmond Enquirer,  27 April 1861

The steamer West Point is now in Norfolk harbor where she has been with the exception of occasional short trips to Hampton Roads and one to Fortress Monroe with a flag of truce ever since the 20th day of April last. On the second trip made by her from the Pamunkey river to Norfolk, after the proclamation of President Lincoln of 15th April and before any indication had appeared that the federal government considered Virginia in a state of war Capt Rowe, commanding the steamer, was informed by tho military authorities at Fortress Monroe that she would not be permitted to pass that place again and that she would be stopped and seized if it were attempted. It was accordingly deemed proper not to put so valuable a piece of property at so great a risk, and the captain was directed not to make the attempt. Since that time the steamer has occasionally been in the use of the government for a per diem compensation.

-President's Report of the Richmond and York River Rail Road Company- Annual Report of the Board of Public Works to the General Assembly of Virginia, with the Accompanying Documents, Parts 3-4- (October 1861)

Governor at Bridge Opening-1926

                                                      
                                                         Opening Of New Bridge. 

Richmond. — Governor Harry Flood Byrd, John R. Saunders, attorney general and H.G. Shirley, state highway commissioner. were among the speakers at the opening of the Pamunkey River Bridge at West Point on Monday. September 20. The bridge joins West Point and New Kent county. It connects the section with the national highway to points north. It leads over the Washington route to Bowling Green. Mangohick and King William Courthouse, through to Newport News and Old Point. Outside of this connection with the national highway Richmond is connected with the sections between the Rappahannock and York rivers.

-Northern Neck News, 24 September 1926

Road Building in 1911

                                 NEW KENT PROMISES AID. 
         Nearly $2,000 Will He Given for Richmond-Newport News Highway.
                                 [Special to The Times-Dispatch.]  

Roxbury, Va.. February 10.-There was a full attendance of the members at a meeting of the New Kent Board of Supervisors held at the courthouse on Tuesday. After several matters of routine interest were disposed of the subject of the proposed highway from Richmond to Newport News was discussed. Each of the four districts in the county promised to give $200; by private subscriptions the amount of $1,000 was raised, and the board agreed to allow four months' work of the county teams and employees. It was also decided that the county shall ask appropriation from the State to equal that made by the county. The subscriptions and time allowed means more than $2,000 for this county. The route of the proposed highway could not better please the residents of New Kent, as it will traverse the entire, length of the county, a distance of thirty-two miles.

 -Times Dispatch, 11 February 1911

Office of State Highway Commission. 

Richmond. Va., April 6. 1911. 

Bid will be received at this of office 12 o'clock noon, Saturday, for the construction of about ten miles of sand-clay road in New Kent county from New Kent Courthouse to the James City county and about six in James City county from the New Kent count line to Toano.  

Specification on file at this office.  

Certified check for $250.00 to accompany each bid.  

Further information furnished on application to the undersigned. 

The right is reserved to reject any and all bids. 

P. St. J. Wilson.
State Highway Commissioner


-Virginia Gazette(Williamsburg), 20 April 1911

A Road Trip from Richmond to Williamsburg- 1911

A 1911 account of a road trip down the trip Peninsula by a reporter from the Times-Dispatch. I have included, in red, my own comments about the itinerary.

SUCCESSFUL RUN MADE FROM RICHMOND TO OLD POINT BY TIMES-DISPATCH SCOUT CAR
Correct and Accurate Reading of Road Made for Benefit of Those Desiring to Make Trip-Road in Splendid Condition and People Anxious to Welcome Visitors.

0.0 - Foster Motor Car Company. Down Broad to Jefferson; turn right to
0.4 - Jefferson Hotel. Down Franklin to . . .

1.1 - Capitol Square. Turn right down Ninth; then left down Bank; then right down Tenth; then right up Main to . . .

1.2 - Times-Dispatch. Up Main to Ninth to Capitol then right to . . .

1.6 - Memorial Hospital. Turn to left into Marshall Street; then turn to right one block to Broad Street to . . .

3.0 - Chimborazo Park.
3.3 - Keep straight ahead, skirting Chimborazo Park to right, to
3.5 - Left down steep hill to railroad crossing.
3.6 - Railroad crossing.
4.4 - To Government Road (good condition).

8.4 - Church on right; turn to left. (I believe this is the original Corinth United Methodist Church which is now less than a  half mile to the east.)

9.6 - Pass store and road on left pass by National Cemetery. (Seven Pines National Cemetery.)

10.7 - Good road to
12.6 - Ford; to (Ford over Boar Swamp)
13.2 - Sharp turn to left (about nine degrees)

15.3 - Long Chickahominy Bridge, sandy road. (Bridge at Bottom's Bridge; NOT in its current location.)

15.6 - Short Chickahominy Bridge.(Bridge over Higgins Swamp.)
15.7 - Corduroy road.
15.8 - More corduroy.

15.9 - New road (good).(This would be Clint Lane, then  on what is now Quaker which at that time continued straight through to Rose Cottage Rd and at that road . . .)

18.7 - Take fork to right. Follow, telegraph wires.( . . . going down Quinton Road and then bearing left onto New Kent Highway.)

21.1 - Pass store on left. (Patterson's Store at Crump's Crossroads.)
23.8 - Turn to left and keep straight ahead.(Going north on Emmaus Church Road.)
21.2 - Richardson's store. Turn right, down slight hill. (The Baltimore Store at Talleysville.)
25.4 - Church on left, down hill. (Rising Mt. Zion.)
25.5 - Ford foot of hill- hard bottom. (Pelham Creek.)
26.3 - Store on right.
29.5 - Church on right. (Corinth Baptist; road until 1930's passed north of church.)
29.9 - New Kent Courthouse.
30.7 - Take right fork.

32.4 - Slatersville cross roods. (It gets tricky here. Instead of proceeding down what is now New Kent Highway they seem to go straight through on Stage Road.)

35.1 - Spring at bottom of hill. ( Upper reach of Beaverdam Creek?)
38.6 - Ford; hard bottom. (Warreneye Creek?)
40.0 - Barhamsville.
40.1 - Store on left; turn to right. (Pott's store?)

45.1 - Brick school house on left. (Hickory Neck Academy, the school, was closed in 1908. The year after this trip it would be deeded to the trustees of Hickory Neck Protestant Episcopal Church thus returning it to it's original use.)

45.7 - Cross bridge over railroad.
45.9 - Toano; well of good water at entrance to town turn left through town.
47.1 - Pass brick school house on left. (Toano High School opened 1908.)
50.5 - Pass store on right; well on left.
50.6 - cross railroad tracks; turn sharp left and then right.(Lightfoot.)
52.1 - Pass store on right.
52.1 - Pass fork on right.
52.3 - Pass fork on right.
52.4 - Pass fork on left.
53.6 - Cross railroad.(Across from Yankee Candle.)
54.4 - Pass road on right.
56.0 - William and Mary College on right approaching Williamsburg.
56.1 - Pass fork on right.(Jamestown Road.)
56.4 - Bruton Church on left.

56.5 -Ruins of Williamburg Courthouse on left.(the Old Courthouse of Williamsburg/James City, the one across from the powder magazine, had been destroyed by fire just 3 months before in April 1911. The building was restored to original appearance, except for some new columns, work finishing up January 1912.)

-Times Dispatch, 13 July 1911

The Foster Motor Car Company went into bankruptcy in 1913.

Travel 100 Years Ago- "Leave West Point 6:15 P.M. and arrive Baltimore 7 A. M"

MOST INTERESTING AND DELIGHTFUL TRIP IN AMERICA, TO BALTIMORE BY BOAT. 

The mysteries of the sea were never more fully brought to mind than by this trip to Baltimore over the YORK RIVER LINE. The route is through one of the most historic, beautiful and scenic sections of the United States. Leaving Richmond 5:10 P.M.. the trip is one hour by Express Steamer Train to West Point situated at the head of York River. Fine new steamers of Chesapeake Steamship Company leave West Point 6:15 P.M. and arrive Baltimore 7 A. M. Many Colonial homes and other interesting places are located on this beautiful river. A stop is made at quaint Yorktown. and shortly after leaving this point the steamer enters Chesapeake Bay.  

Round trip fare between Richmond and Baltimore is $4.50, limited to 30 days; one way fare, $2.60. There are staterooms with berths, brass beds, private baths and showers. The cuisine is of the best, with sea food, table d'hote dinners, club breakfasts and a la carte service.  

In planning your summer trip let us tell you the interesting details of this wonderful trip. Descriptive literature on application. 

Magruder Dent, Division Passenger Agent, 

907 East Main Street. Richmond.

-Richmond Times-Dispatch, 31 July 1917

STATE ROOM

Travel 100 Years Ago- Baltimore via the York River Line

The City of Annapolis

DAILY SERVICE TO WEST POINT AND RICHMOND, VA. 

On October 21 the Chesapeake Steamship Company placed in service on its York River line the palatial steamer City of Annapolis and on November 17 the City of Richmond will be placed in service, giving to Baltimore a daily service to West Point and Richmond, Va. Beginning November 17, the following schedule will be maintained: 

Leave Baltimore . . .              6.00 P.M. 

Arrive West Point . . .            7.00 A.M. 

Steamer Train- leave West Point . .7.20 A.M. 

Steamer Train- arrive Richmond . . 8.30 A.M. 

Between Richmond West Point and Baltimore 

Steamer Train- leave Richmond . . .5.30 P.M. 

Steamer Train- arrive West Point   6.40 P.M. 

Steamer leave West Point . . .     6.50 P.M. 

Arrive Baltimore . . .             7.00 A.M. 

The service via the Southern Railway between West Point and Richmond will be performed by a special steamer train with parlor car and day coaches. The line between West Point and Richmond has been conditioned enabling the steamer train to make the run- thirty-nine (39) miles- in an hour and ten minutes. The pier at West Point has been rebuilt for the convenient transfer of passengers between the trains and the ships, making the entire service first class in every respect. 

The steamers City of Annapolis and City of Richmond have a gross tonnage of 1,923 tons and a net tonnage of 1,127 tons. She is 277 feet over all 53 feet over guards and 43 feet beam at the water line, with a carrying capacity for 600 tons of freight and accommodations for 400 passengers. She has 117 rooms with running water in all rooms. Eight rooms contain double brass beds and connect with bath room; five rooms with double brass beds and shower bath; seven rooms with two berths and connecting with bath rooms, and four rooms with two berths and shower bath. All bath rooms and shower baths are equipped with hot and cold, fresh and salt water. She is equipped with Marconi wireless, interior telephones for communication between state rooms, and when alongside the dock connection is made with the city telephone system. The dining room is located on the gallery deck forward and has a seating capacity for sixty people. A special feature of this steamer is the segregation of the colored from the white passengers, a number of rooms and a smoking room on the main deck aft having been set aside for the exclusive use of the colored passengers. A handsomely furnished smoking room for white passengers is located on the gallery deck aft. 

-Baltimore(magazine), November 1913

Travel 100 Years Ago- Ride the Rails

     SOUTHERN RAILWAY

Premier Carrier of the South 

Trains Leave Richmond, Main St. Station

 N. B.- Following schedule figures published as information. Not guaranteed.
 5:30 A.M.  Daily. Local for Danville, Charlotte, Durham and Raleigh.
10:30 A.M. Daily limited for all points South.
 3:00 P.M.   Ex. Sunday-Local for Durham, Raleigh and intermediate stations.
 6:00 P.M.   Daily for Danville, Atlanta and Birmingham, with through electric lighted observation sleeping car.
11:16 P.M.  Daily limited for all points South. Pullman ready 9:00 P.M.  

YORK RIVER SERVICE. 

 4:16 P.M.   Daily. Local for West Point.
 6:10 P.M.   Daily except Sunday. Steamer train to West Point, connecting for Baltimore. (Parlor Car.)
 7:36 A.M.  Daily. Local to West Point.

Trains Arrive In Richmond. 

From the South: 7:06 A.M., 8:00 A.M., 3:60 P.M., 8:30 P.M. daily, and 8:40 A.M., except Sunday.
From West Point; 8:45 A. M., except Monday and 9:40 A.M., and 6:16 P.M. daily.   MAGRUDER DENT.    D. P. A.. *

907 East Main Street, Phone Madison 373

-Presbyterian of the South, 16 February 1916



*Division Passenger Agent

                                             Farmers View of Roads.

                                       To the Editors of the The Times-Dispatch:

Sir.- As we see it who travel over dirt roads almost abandoned by the road-working force, it would be far more advantageous to country people to distribute the road money and repair the broken down bridges and worn out roads even in places, than can concentrate the whole amount on a few miles of road for a certain class to travel. I will take for example the half mile of road between the Chickahominy River and Providence Forge. The bridge over the Chickahominy, at this place, is the first crossing from its mouth, possibly a distance of twenty or thirty miles. Consequently all travel by vehicle from the eastern and central part of Charles City county in going to the railroad station, post-office and express office have to cross on this bridge, necessarily making the traffic very heavy. Mails for several post-offices in Charles City County are taken across here dally, and one would imagine that such an important bridge and road would have a little attention, but on the contrary the bridge is in a deplorable condition. The abutment on the north side has been born away for months making it necessary to plunge down, I cannot say into the road, but ravine as the road is mostly in the river. Over a year, ago I called the attention of the supervisor to the fact that the teamsters were driving into the river at this place to water their team, of course with every trip taking the road out to the river. Just the felling of one small tree across the ford would have put a stop to this lawless procedure, but nothing was done. I spoke to others who I thought might have some influence, and while they express, a proper amount of regret at the deplorable condition of the road and bridge that ended it. When we reach Providence Forge we get a glimpse of the so-called highway, all fixed up smoothed down with signboards at every turn, and the autos of tourists, joy riders and city folks gliding along without a jolt, en route from city to city. Now this may be very satisfying and gratifying to some but as we see it, it is very unjust. The farmers pay a very high tax and every year the tax moves up higher and higher, and why should they have to plunge off old dilapidate bridges and drag through miles of mud when others travel in such comfort?                   I. E. J. 

Providence Forge, Dec. 26, 1922

-Richmond Times-Dispatch, 30 December 1922

Planning the York River Railroad - 1854

                                                  YORK RIVER RAILROAD

We have been furnished with a copy of the reports of Mr. DUDLEY, President of the York River Railroad, and of Mr. F.S. CLAXTON, Chief Engineer, on the subject of the location of the road, and the various lines that have been surveyed from Richmond to different points on the York River All the routes have not been fully surveyed, owing to sickness among the corps of Engineers and assistants employed upon them; but it is thought that the information obtained is quite sufficient for intelligent and proper conclusions as to the best route and the best terminus. The Engineer states that not only every member of the original party were obliged to succumb; but others who, from time to time, joined it, have been taken down, until the sick list amounted to fourteen. On one of the routes —that through King William—a party were engaged when the report was prepared, but the Engineer hoped their survey would be ready by the time of the assembling of the stockholders on the 9th instant—i.e., to-morrow.

The President, in his report, states that the Board of Directors have determined to establish their Depot immediately on the Ship Dock in this city, lying between 22d and 26th streets, fronting on Water street 924 feet (including cross streets,) and running back to Cary street. From the Depot, the road is to pass under Main street and in rear of Rocketts, around to Gillie's Creek; thence up the ravine of that Creek.

Without going into minute details, at present, we give below the results of the different surveys, and the merits of the different termini, as set forth in the Engineer's Report :

West Point
The best accommodation for shipping is at this point—i.e., the widest and most roomy harbour. The greatest draft to it at low tide is 18 feet. The distance from Richmond to West Point is 42.82 miles.
Cost of single track to W. Point. . $682,393.09
Grading for double . . . . . track 65,644.52
Cost of wharves . . . . .21,470.51 

$769,508.12

Eltham.
The harbour from Parham's to Eltham is set down as "the most protected and safest," with 18 feet at low tide. Distance from Richmond 32.2 miles.
Cost of single track . . $606,134.55
Grading for double track . . 67,750.40
Cost of wharves . .18,999.60  

$692,884.55

This landing is on the Pamunkey. West Point is in the fork of the junction of the Pamuukey and the Mattapony, which form the York.   

Filbates.
This is on York River; distant from Richmond 37.56 miles, with a draft at low tide of 22 feet.
Cost of single track . . $663,713.38
Grading for double track . .  63,714.15
Wharves and foundation for freight house . . 31,957.51  

$769,385.04

Bigler's.
Also on York River—46 miles from Richmond, with a minimum depth of 16 feet.
Cost of single track $748,404.00
Grading for double track 69,791.00.
Wharves and foundation for freight house 79,692.79

 $897,887.89

Stoney Point.*
This is very near Yorktown— distance from Richmond 58 miles, with any required depth of water, but harbour much exposed.
Cost of single track . . $749,930.36
Grading for double track . . .75,000.00
Cribbing and filling in for wharves . . .175 873.20  

$1,000,808.56

It appears from this that Eltham or Parham's has the shortest route, cheapest road and safest harbor. West Point is the most spacious harbor of the two. The remaining three harbors have the advantage of deeper water; but are more exposed. Mr. Claxton publishes two letters, one from Mr. Blunt, Harbor Master of New York, and one from Lieut. Maury, in answer to letters from him. Mr. Blunt says if Mr. C. can get 18 feet water (which he says should be the minimum) a very large business will be done, as vessels trading to New Orleans can only carry 16 feet over the bar. He adds, not one vessel in fifty draws more than 18 feet.

Lieut. Maury advises that the depth be not loss than twenty-three feet, supposing the average draft of vessels in the York river trade will not be less than nineteen feet.

Mr. Claxton acknowledges his obligations to Assistant Engineers Atkinson, Myers, Mayo, Hendren and Lawson.

The President states that Mr. John Tabb, one of the State Directors of the road, having resigned, Major Wm. B. Taliaferro of Gloucester has been appointed in his place. The decision of the question of route is an important one and will attach much interest to the proceedings of the company.

-The Daily Dispatch, 8 August 1854


*Stoney Point Plantation apparently is now the site of the Marine barracks at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown.

Bicycle Racing Comes to New Kent . . . A Hundred and Twenty Years Ago

Bicycles racing up and down the county roads has a longer history than most expect . . .

   

            Bicycle Record Broken

There have been numerous bicycle parties of late organized to make the run between this city and Richmond in one day. For one reason or another they have all become discouraged and returned home. Mr. Winder, the well known long distance rider, reached Norfolk Saturday night, and reported that the path along the Chesapeake and Ohio railway was in good condition. Nevertheless it required portions of two days for him to reach Norfolk from Richmond.

Dr. George D. Levy, the optician, and Mr. D.L. Jackson, a printer, determined to break the record, and on Sunday morning went via steamer Louise to Newport News. There they mounted their wheels and reached Richmond Sunday night. They describe their trip as being very fatiguing but seem to derive a great deal of satisfaction in being the first to make the run in one day.

Just before reaching Morrison's the pedal of Mr. Jackson's wheel was sprung by an unobserved stump. On reaching that station it gentleman whose residence was directly opposite, kindly gave the wheelmen valuable assistance. The pedal was straightened, and the bicyclists proceeded on their way. Willamsburg was reached at noon, and Mr. Spencer, the genial proprietor of the hotel, had dinner served an hour before the regular time so us not to delay the wheelmen. After doing justice to this repast they departed in the direction of Richmond. At Windsor Shades the bicyclists were furnished with a pitcher of cold butter milk. Which was greatly enjoyed. They were also offered lodging for the night by the very hospitable people,living at that place. This was declined with thanks.

At Providence Forge occurred the only unpleasant incident of the entire trip; The telegraph operator and station agent refused to give the wheel-men a glass of water, and informed them that he could not send a telegram to their friends until 7 o'clock. Roxbury was reached at half-past 5 o'clock and eighteen miles more had to made, it was impossible to do this before dark, but the wheelmen were too near Richmond to give up. At Fort Lee the railroad path was left and the Willamsburg road taken towards Richmond. After plodding through the sand on this road for nearly three miles the splendid road from the National Cemetery to Richmond was reached. Coasting down this road was a great relief after so many hours of hard riding. Soon Richmond was reached, and what had hitherto never been done was accomplished.

-The Norfolk Virginian, 29 October 1895

Commerce on the Pamunkey- 1913

WEST POINT NOTES.

Much Building In Prospect -Steamer for the Pamunkey.

 West Point. Va., October 4.-

The Chamber of Commerce met Tuesday night and a stock company was organised(sic) for the purpose of building houses to accommodate the new people coming into the town. The directors of the company have boon appointed, but the  officers of same have not been fully decided upon. The organisation(sic) is to be known an the West Point Building Corporation, and twenty or more houses are to go up at once. There will be building done by others.

With the deepening of the water around the docks at West Point, the completion of the bridge across the Mattaponi River, and the prospect of a bridge across the Pamunkey River, and the building of houses for many people and the many other signs of progress around West Point there comes a cry for a small steamboat up the Pamunkey. W. J. Taylor, of Eltham Farm, New Kent County, calls attention to the fact that although the Southern Railroad skirts the Pamunkey River on the north side, up to the White Mouse, yet a vast territory on the south side of the river has no transportation facilities whatever. That there are many farmers who would grow much produce to ship could they have the chance to do so, and that above White House, where lie some of the largest and finest farms in Virginia, the farmers have no way of shipping their produce, except by the slow process of sail vessel, after a very long haul across the country.

A steamboat on the Pamunkey would awaken the farmers to grow larger crops, when, as the case now stands, they grow only enough for home consumption. The boat would not only handle freight, but many passengers would find it convenient to do their trading in West Point, which is the natural trading place for a large section of this country. The steamboat would be a paying investment, and would greatly increase and bring a large body of people in closer touch commercially with West Point.

In 1867 this present line of steamers was established from Baltimore. The boats, the Kenebeck and the Admiral, used to run up the Pamunkey river to White House until the railroad was completed to West point. In 1867 there was an established line from Norfolk. The Mystic, a moderate sized steamer, was used to accommodate the shippers and the traveling public. This boat ran to White House also until the  railroad was completed, but as a favor stopped at West Point in passing.

The stock books of the new bank have been opened for subscription, and from indications stock subscriptions will be received from every county In Tidewater Virginia, and there is a likelihood that its maximum capital of $50,000 will be oversubscribed. The bank will open its doors about November 1 in its temporary quarters in the Masonic Hall Building, but will move to D and Eighth Streets when the new building is completed. It is said that work on the new building will begin immediately.

-The Times Dispatch(Richmond, Va.) October 05, 1913

Inflation 1855

In Consequence of Provender having advanced, I shall increase the rate of fare
between Richmond and New Kent Co. H. as follows:
To Ratcliffe's Tavern . . . . . . $1.50
To Cross Roads. . . . . . . . .  1.75
To Slater's Store . . . . . . . . . 2.00
To New Kent C. H . . . . . . . . 2.50
Any person wishing to contract to carry the mail on the above route can see me by calling at my
office on 18th street, between Franklin and Grace sts.

no i3—2t*         JNO. M. WALLS.

 -The Daily Dispatch(Richmond), November 24, 1855

Rail Travel To New Kent 1865

-from Appletons' Illustrated Railway and Steam Navigation Guide (1865)

New Kent in 1835

- from A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia by William Henry Brockenbrough, published 1835