Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
The marker to be dedicated Saturday recalls the era when the long, narrow, flat-bottomed boats, known individually as bateau, and operated by crews often consisting of free or enslaved African Americans, carried cargo and passengers between Richmond and points west on the James River and its tributaries.
Speakers during the dedication ceremony will include Delegate Betsy Carr, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney and Richmond City Council member Cynthia Newbille, Julie V. Langan, DHR director, Sandra Norman of VDOT, and representatives from the offices of Congressman Donald A. McEachin and state Senator Jennifer McClellan. The marker’s sponsors, Arvat McClaine and Harry Watkins, owners of Bateau, a coffee and wine bar on the riverfront canal walk, will unveil the sign.
