Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 06/17/1998
NRHP Listing Date 10/30/1998
NRHP Reference Number 98001312
Echols Farm was nominated for listing in the registers for its historical transportation significance. Situated on the east bank of the Maury River, directly across from Glasgow in Rockbridge County, Echols Farm and its related resources date to the 1850s. Located on a 253-acre farm, the one-and-one-half-story, vernacular farmhouse was built in 1855 for Edward Echols, and enlarged ca. 1914 to a two-story dwelling. The site includes the canal trace and two extant locks of the James River and Kanawha Canal. Echols operated the locks, canal boats, and a warehouse. Involved in all aspects of canal trade, Echols also mined ore and started the Echols Iron Company. While the canal was superseded by railroad commerce, the canal continued in use through the 1880s. The property has stayed in the Echols family since the mid-19th century. The farmhouse was destroyed by fire in January of 2022.
Many properties listed in the registers are private dwellings and are not open to the public, however many are visible from the public right-of-way. Please be respectful of owner privacy.
Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark
Updated: January 18, 2022
