Has anyone any information about floods from 1815 to 1836 in Richmond? I have Googled without success for anything but major 100 year events.
I am working on the logistics of supply for the Belle Isle Iron and Nail works from its start in 1815 to 1836 when the Micajah Bates Map of Spring Hill shows a wing dam coming off the south side of Belle Isle. Aerial photos and on-site examination show some evidence for a former crib dam from the 19th Street Lock on the south shore of the James over to Belle Isle where there exists a curious jog in the line of the water intake for the industry there.
I just can't see ironworkers putting pig iron on their shoulders and walking to Belle Isle across the rocks in the morning and then back carrying a keg of nails or horse shoes in the evening. With a dam in place creating a relatively calm "pond", boating to and from the island would seem to be the obvious means.
Thanks in advance,
Lyle Browning
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