The Cemetery Rapid Route
Hollywood Dam, turning northeast, continues the line of concrete across the river.  The first dam here was built in 1830-32 to channel water into Richmond’s first pump house. The Hollywood Plant here generated electricity for the City until 1986, using water from the river and from the Kanawha Canal just up the hill. James River Corporation housed its national headquarters here for a period of time. Dominion Resources now owns the property.  The proposed Dominion expansion created a controversy because of its expected impact on the view from Oregon Hill.

For this trip, we will work to river left from the First Break Rapid at the tip of Belle Isle and roughly follow a route parallel to the North Belle Isle and Hollywood Dams. This route leads us through Cemetery Rapid, an enjoyable Class 3 rapid for those with some skill in maneuvering a canoe, kayak, or raft. This route takes us along the north bank of the river beneath the Dominion Resources offices and adjacent to a walkway the company has provided for public use. Soon we are approaching the Robert E. Lee Bridge that crosses above the Eastern end of Belle Isle. A pedestrian bridge hung underneath provides easy visitor access to Belle Isle. The current structure was opened in 1988, replacing the original bridge erected in 1934 and removed in 1987. Just downstream under the shadow of the Lee Bridge are stone pillars which were part of the Richmond and Danville Railway spur that served Tredegar Ironworks and the factories on Belle Isle.  

 

Using our virtual powers, we return to the western tip of Belle Isle and take the more common boating route from First Break along the edge of Belle Isle.

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