A Guide to the Board of Public Works - James River Company Records, 1786-1871

Access and use

Location of collection:
Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Archives Reference Services
Phone: (804) 692-3888
Restrictions:

There are no restrictions.

Terms of access:

There are no restrictions.

Preferred citation:

Virginia. Board of Public Works. James River Company Records, 1786-1871. Accession BPW 83, 30030, State government records collection, The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.

Summary

Extent:
6.5 cu. ft. (18 boxes)
Creator:
Virginia Board of Public Works
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Virginia. Board of Public Works. James River Company Records, 1786-1871. Accession BPW 83, 30030, State government records collection, The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.

Background

Scope and content:

Records, 1786-1871, including accounts, agreements, contracts, correspondence, deed books, field notes, financial statements, lists of stockholders, journals, maps, minute books, plans, receipts, reports, sketch books, vouchers, and warrants of the James River Company. Included are records concerning the Blue Ridge Canal, the Kanawha Road and river improvements, and the work on the James River itself.

Biographical / historical:

The company was chartered by an act of the General Assembly of January 14, 1785. The purpose of the company was to extend the navigation of the James River to its "highest practicable point." By an act of February 17, 1820 the James River and Kanawha Company was chartered as successor to the James River Company; the state of Virginia subscribing to 3/5 of the stock. With the expansion of the railroads at the end of the Civil War the company fell on hard times. On March 5, 1880 the company was sold to the Richmond and Alleghany Railway Company.

Acquisition information:
No acquisition information available.