VA-R22 James River Batteau

Marker text: JAMES RIVER BATTEAU

Near here lived Anthony and Benjamin Rucker - inventors of the James River batteau, which superseded the double dugout canoe and rolling road for transporting tobacco hogsheads. These long (about 50 or 60 feet), double-ended vessels dominated the commerical traffic on the James River and other Southern upland waterways between the 1770s and 1840s. A dispute arose in 1821 when the Rucker brothers' heirs sought to patent the design. A letter from Thomas Jefferson testifying to his presence at the first batteau's launch resolved the matter in the Rucker's favor.

Department of Historic Resources, 1993

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Location: US 29 (southbound), north of Madison Heights, Amherst County, Virginia

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