Scottsville, Virginia
Population: 555
Located in Albemarle County
Scottsville Town, Virginia According to Scottsville's website, the town "served as Virginia's westernmost center of government and commerce during the 1700's, when rivers were the primary means of travel in the new American wilderness." During the late eighteenth and the nineteenth century attempts were made to improve navigability along the James, as well as other central Virginian rivers. Part of this was the construction of a canal running roughly parallel with the James west from Richmond. Scottsville was the largest port town along this route, called the James River and Kanawha Canal. The ultimate goal of this project was to connect the Atlantic with the Ohio River via the Kanawha River. These aims were not achieved, due to interruption by the American Civil War and the rise of the train. It did however succeed in making Scottsville a busy, prominent town. In fact, thanks to a wagon road connecting Staunton to Scottsville, all of the agricultural wealth of the Shenandoah Valley poured into town en route to Richmond and the sea, thereby making Scottsville the largest grain market in the state. Trade died down when Union soldiers broke the canal works in the area. Then the train came, the tracks being laid directly on the towpath of the old canal, a monument to its demise. Eventually, the train too stopped taking passengers, leaving Scottsville a sleepy country town on a coal line.The James River provides much of the scenery and fun in this region. The mild rapids west of town are perfect for a day of tubing, and local liveries and guides ensure excellent boating and fishing experiences. The James River provides excellent boating and fishing, with an annual Fishing Jamboree. You can ride a bike to nearby Hatton Ferry, one of the last poled ferries in the country, or contact one of the local river outfitters and take a float trip back to town. During the summer, the local Farmers' Market brims with produce and crafts. Fourth of July includes a colorful parade, antiques fair, flea market, and live music — capped off with a brilliant fireworks display. Annual festivals feature batteaux plying the river, homestyle cooking, and historic re-enactments. A variety of festivals and activities are available, both within the town itself and in the surrounding area. Theater productions are produced by the Horseshoe Bend Players in the old Victory Hall theater. Various musical events, such as the free summer concert series Rhythm on the River, occur throughout the year. Additional shopping and cultural events can be found in nearby Charlottesville. Area vineyards offer tours and wine tastings.
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