Location: Just S of the James River Bridge on the E side of US 17/US 258/Carrollton Blvd, Carrollton, VA 23314

Visited: July 4, 2009, 10:15am

Transcription of marker: The James River flows about 340 miles from the junction of the Jackson and Cowpasture rivers in Botetourt County to Hampton Roads at the Chesapeake Bay. In 1607 the first permanent English settlement in the New World was established on its banks at Jamestown. The colonists used the river as a path for exploration. With modern cities and shipyards as well as ancient plantations lining its banks, the James River remains one of Virginia’s most important natural resources.

Department of Historic Resources, 1991

My impressions: On previous trips (which were all southbound), we had seen the marker about the time we flew past it on the other side of the road, so this time, my wife was alert to find it (or, at least, a place to pull off the road before we reached the bridge, heading north). She correctly guessed which signs were pointing to a place to park, and was slowing down even before I spotted the marker.

There is something about the James River. My wife has mentioned to me a few times how, on her visits to my hometown, she found the Ottawa River similar to the James. And now, I think I can see the similarities. Both are fairly wide rivers (though the James, especially at this point, is wider) and it can be miles between crossing opportunities. And, looking at this marker, the Ottawa held an important role in Canada’s exploration at a similar era (in fact, Samuel de Champlain is reputed to have lost his astrolabe near Cobden, ON in 1613).

Notes for future snarfers: This is one marker you have to be prepared for, because you are moving too quickly to stop in time once you’ve seen it (and it’s a long drive if you miss it, heading north and have to cross the whole bridge again). You’ll want to watch for signs for the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries area, called Ragged Island and use its parking lot. The marker is just S of the parking lot entrance.

Markeroni status: Logged.