James River and Kanawha Turnpike: Difference between revisions
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The '''James River and Kanawha Turnpike''' was built to facilitate portage of shipments of passengers and freight by water between the western reaches of the [[James River (Virginia)|James River]] via the [[James River and Kanawha Canal]] and the eastern reaches of the [[Kanawha River]]. |
The '''James River and Kanawha Turnpike''' was built to facilitate portage of shipments of passengers and freight by water between the western reaches of the [[James River (Virginia)|James River]] via the [[James River and Kanawha Canal]] and the eastern reaches of the [[Kanawha River]]. |
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Originally proposed by a young [[George Washington]] in his surveyor days prior to the [[American Revolution]], the canal was seen as the key for [[Virginia]] to compete with northern states for rich trade to the west. However, the canal was an expensive project which failed several times financially and was frequently damaged by floods. It was largely financed by the [[Virginia Board of Public Works]]. After the [[American Civil War]], when funds for continued financial help were not available from the worn-torn state or private sources, it finally succumbed to the competition and the advancing transportation technology of the railroads. In 1871, [[Collis P. Huntington]] completed the [[Chesapeake and Ohio Railway]] (C&O) from the [[head of navigation]] at [[Richmond, Virginia]] to the [[Ohio River]] at [[Huntington, West Virginia]] (named in his honor). In the 1880s, the canal was bought and dismantled by one of the railroads which soon became part of the C & O. |
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Much of the route of the James River and Kanawha Turnpike through [[West Virginia]] is today the [[Midland Trail]], a [[National Scenic Byway]]. Ironically, while the historic road was long a [[turnpike]] financed through collection of tolls, today it is a toll-free favorite of [[shunpiker]]s seeking either an avoidance of tolls on the [[West Virginia Turnpike]], a scenic and bucolic interlude, or both. |
Much of the route of the James River and Kanawha Turnpike through [[West Virginia]] is today the [[Midland Trail]], a [[National Scenic Byway]], and is signed as [[U.S. Route 60]]. Ironically, while the historic road was long a [[turnpike]] financed through collection of tolls, today it is a toll-free favorite of [[shunpiker]]s seeking either an avoidance of tolls on the [[West Virginia Turnpike]], a scenic and bucolic interlude, or both. |
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== See also == |
== See also == |
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Revision as of 03:59, 18 August 2006
The James River and Kanawha Turnpike was built to facilitate portage of shipments of passengers and freight by water between the western reaches of the James River via the James River and Kanawha Canal and the eastern reaches of the Kanawha River.
Originally proposed by a young George Washington in his surveyor days prior to the American Revolution, the canal was seen as the key for Virginia to compete with northern states for rich trade to the west. However, the canal was an expensive project which failed several times financially and was frequently damaged by floods. It was largely financed by the Virginia Board of Public Works. After the American Civil War, when funds for continued financial help were not available from the worn-torn state or private sources, it finally succumbed to the competition and the advancing transportation technology of the railroads. In 1871, Collis P. Huntington completed the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O) from the head of navigation at Richmond, Virginia to the Ohio River at Huntington, West Virginia (named in his honor). In the 1880s, the canal was bought and dismantled by one of the railroads which soon became part of the C & O.
Much of the route of the James River and Kanawha Turnpike through West Virginia is today the Midland Trail, a National Scenic Byway, and is signed as U.S. Route 60. Ironically, while the historic road was long a turnpike financed through collection of tolls, today it is a toll-free favorite of shunpikers seeking either an avoidance of tolls on the West Virginia Turnpike, a scenic and bucolic interlude, or both.