A (Virtual) Ride Down James River

Brown’s Island, formed by the construction of the Haxall Canal , is on river left. It was the site of variety of mills during the era of water-power industry in Richmond . The west end of Brown's Island is now owned by the City of Richmond and used for entertainment and recreation activities. The Canal Walk runs along the length of the island.

Shortly after Fish Ladder, two sets of abandoned bridge piers are prominent features of the landscape. The stone piers are the remains of the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad Bridge built in 1838. The nearby concrete pillars supported a later railroad bridge built in 1902. As is evident, the concrete supports built later are far less enduring then the stone pillars build decades before.

The large bridge just downstream is the Manchester Bridge built between 1969 and 1972 in the location of several previous bridges constructed through history. The name refers to the former town of Manchester on the south side of the James River .

After going under the Manchester Bridge and crossing a quiet pool, we enter the main section of Pipeline Rapid. This is the beginning of about a quarter mile of continuous fast moving water requiring active maneuvering and good boat control.

On river left are Virginia Power sub-station and the construction site of Riverside Village, both part of Brown's Island. When complete, this development will include a parking deck, an office tower, and a residential tower, all with dramatic views of the river. This location was formerly, the location of the fossil fuel plant with 3 tall brick smokestacks and the 12^th Street hydroelectric power plant. The hydro plant is being renovated as part of Riverside Village; the fossil fuel plant and smokestacks were removed in 2003.