Shared by Renee' Coyner, marketing intern, as Guest Blogger.

James River State Park offers countless ways for people to get in touch with their adventurous side!

Full-size representation of the bateau at the new Visitor Center at James River State Park

James River is a hotspot for visitors and contains three miles of shoreline along James River State Park. 

But years ago, the river was used for more than swimming, tubing, kayaking, and canoeing (if you can imagine that). The James River was a very important waterway allowing people to transport goods up and down the river. It provided a fast, safe way of travel for both people and loads of cargo.

Back before motor boats existed, colonists used a boat called the “Bateau.” It had a flat bottom with pointed ends and was usually around 58 feet long. The boat was propelled by “bateaumen” who used long poles to move the boat along the James River.

Walk out onto the bateau at James River State Park!

In the early 1700s, the Cabell family settled along the river cultivated the rich soils of the floodplain and shipped produce (tobacco and other crops) down river to Richmond. The Kanawha canal was built to make travel and shipping on the river easier. The James River brought people to this area, provided for their needs and helped them build a future.

The bateau was specifically developed for the James River. It dramatically increased the amount of cargo that individual boats could carry both down and up river. The bateau was simple and inexpensive to build.

Art work hanging inside the Visitor Center showing the bateau boat

History lessons aren’t usually very popular subjects in school (at least they weren’t in my book), but it’s truly amazing that people are able to interact with such an important and historic river!

Just think, hundreds of years ago some very important American figures once traveled on the same waters that now offer visitors ample amounts of fun and excitement.

So this summer skip the boring history lesson, get to the river, and soak up the past while you enjoy the cool, crisp waters at James River State Park.

LOCATION: Buckingham County. From U.S. 60 West, turn right onto Route 605 (Riverside Dr.) at the James River Bridge. Travel seven miles, then turn left onto Route 606.

Its address is 104 Green Hill Drive, Gladstone, VA 24553.