The Courage of Frank Padget
N 37° 36.450 W 079° 25.871
17S E 638473 N 4163424
This historic marker is located on Route 501 at the Rockbridge - Amherst County Line.
Waymark Code: WM5ZC8
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 03/06/2009
Views: 7
This historic marker is located at a small parking area over looking the James River near Balcony Falls. The parking area is located at the top of Snowden Mountain on U. S. Route 501.
The Text of the marker reads:
"Heavy rains early in 1854 left the James River and the treacherous Balcony Falls, south of this site, in full flood. One 21 January the towrope of the canal boat, Clinton, snapped. Washed over the Mountain Dam and through successive falls, its passengers became stranded in the raging waters. Braving the dangerous river, Frank Padget, an enslaved boatman, skillfully led a crew of five rescuers who successfully saved dozens of the stranded passengers. While he was attempting to rescue the last passenger, Padget’s craft was broken on the rocks. Unable to fight the rushing current, Padget drowned."
Marker Number: Z-119
Marker Title: The Courage of Frank Padget
Marker Location: Route 501 at the Rockbridge-Amherst County Line
County or Independent City: Rockbridge County
Web Site: [Web Link]
Marker Program Sponsor: Department of Historic Resources -2007
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