Buckingham County: Canal Days
In 1858, the Richmond papers printed the “Summer Schedule” for canal boat trips from Richmond to Lynchburg. The entire trip cost $3.50.
At New Canton passengers could connect with the Stage for Buckingham Female Collegiate Institute and Buckingham Court House. At Scottsville, Albemarle County, they could pick up the Stage for Charlottesville.
One could leave Richmond at 5:00 PM and arrive at New Canton at 9:00 AM the next morning, having travelled 66 miles on the James River and stopping at Manakintown, Judes Ferry, Michaux’s Ferry, Ceder Point, Jefferson, Pemberton, and Columbia.
Astonishingly, the ride from New Canton to Scottsville, a mere 13 miles took 3 1/2 hours!
slate river ramblings . . . . 
My grandmother had a wash stand in her kitchen. My father told me that my gggrandmother brought it from Richmond to New Canton on a packet boat. Now I have a greater appreciation for what she went through for that piece of furniture.
Nancy, That’s a nice story. Thanks.
Interesting. My subdivision entrance is on Jude’s Ferry Road in Powhatan, Co., VA. I live a couple of miles or so from the James River.
Bill, now you know how long it took the canal boat to travel from Richmond to Jude’s Ferry!