16 Apr 23:
Skipper and I went to check out Constant's Wharf in Suffolk, VA, situated midway up the Nansemond River, which is named for the local indigenous tribe of the time. John Constant set up trading operations in the early 1700s, about 15 miles upstream from the James River. Skipper had cousins who operated ferries to and from the wharf to nearby and not so nearby lands, transporting produce, tobacco, lumber, etc...and by "ferry" they are describing flats or sailboats, riding the tide on the rivers and setting sail when able.
John Smith made 3 expeditions out of Jamestown Island, with the Nansemond River being the furthest South that the party travelled. His group of explorers and local native guides covered around 3000 miles by water and land. He reported that he placed or marked 20+ Maltese crosses at the furthest points that he ventured, claiming land for the Crown. More about those 20 or so crosses in a future post.
In the Olden Days it would not be uncommon to see 3 or 4 masted schooners in the river, running cargo to and from points North, East or across the Atlantic. As steam power came onto the scene, it was possible to leave early in the morning and be in New York early the next morning, vs bumping across farm fields in a buggy for a week.
Looking North. The bridge across the Nansemond was a drawbridge until the middle of the 1900s.
Modern day there is a nice marina, situated near downtown and a nice Hilton Garden Inn. Garmin charts show 9-11 feet in the channel.
Low tide, down about a foot. Tidal range here is 3-4 feet, so it is evident that the banks have silted in just a little since the 1800s, as nearby land was stripped of trees. The latest information we have is that the river channel is supposed to be kept dredged to 12 feet. Trade tapered off as the railroad flourished mid 19th Century, followed by the road network in the mid 1900s. Not to mention the wharf businesses liked to catch on fire, either with help from the British during the Revolutionary War, or from wayward stable fires.
Barges and boats used to play in this canal, and for miles along the shoreline there were several large businesses that hosted ocean going schooners. Remnants of docks and piers remain. The fact that the Nansemond is damned up just a 1/2 mile upstream does not help the water levels.
About a 1/4 mile downstream shingles and lumber were brought by bage from the Great Dismal Swamp, hence the name Shingles Creek on topo and nautical charts. The creek is no longer navigable to the swamp, except maybe with a few portages.
Those interested in visiting by water can check out Garmin's Active Captain, there is a number to call at the Suffolk Parks and Rec Department to reserve a spot at the docks.
JENNIE BELL was one of the last ships to make it upriver, ships of this size were assisted by tugs when the river got twisty.
