Ben Salem Lock - Lexington, VA
Posted by: 
vhasler
N 37° 45.085 W 079° 23.495
17S E 641694 N 4179452
Former river lock located on US-60 a mile off I-81, Exit 188. Nice picnic area here also.
Waymark Code: WMF2VA
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 08/13/2012
Views: 5
The Ben Salem Lock was part of a system which allowed navigation to Lexington, Virginia from the coastline port using the James River. The canal connected down at Glasgow for transportation up a branch of the "North River", now known as the Maury River. Long (50-60') and narrow (6-8') boats guided by poles were used to move tobacco and other goods packaged in barrels. The channel was only in use from around 1860 to 1880s as the railroad on the other side of the river quickly replaced this mode of transportation.
The lock ruins are now part of a roadside park with picnic tables, swimming and fishing.
Waterway Name: Maury River
Connected Points:
Lexington and Glasgow, Virginia
Type: Lock
Date Opened: 01/01/1860
Date Closed (if applicable): 01/01/1880
Elevation Difference (meters): 4.00
Site Status: Remnants
Web Site: [Web Link]
|
Visit Instructions:
Logs marked as “visits” should be made after physically visiting the waymark location. Include a picture taken during the visit. Notes may be logged by individuals who have visited the web site or looked at the online information and would like to provide comments or feedback on the waymark.
Recent Visits/Logs:
| There are no logs for this waymark yet. |
|
|
|