Major Sign - Suffolk VA Waterfront

01 May 23:

We passed by a sign business in downton Suffolk that has an interesting mural painted on a sidewall, depicting the waterfront scene in Suffolk from days past. We spoke to Charlie, the owner of Major Signs and he let us know that a former employee named Glen did the painting 12-15 years ago, but was unsure what resources Glen drew from. Steam power continued into the early 1900s, and hybrid sail-steam craft came 15 miles up the Nansemond River into the mid 1900s. The seaport burned several times and eventually dwindled in size as Newport News and Norfolk shipping grew.

Major Signs, Virginia’s oldest sign company, evolved from Major Bentons small studio that produced display cards for the Chadwick Theater productions in the 1930’s. In 1943 the business moved to its current location at 801 N. Main St. in Suffolk, Va.

Tucked away behind the sign company is the Nansemond River. This would be a fun spot for a boat business to be located next to, we think we saw a dock back there. 

Shipyard on the Nansemond. Suffolk was the next major trading town down south of Smithfield, and as colonial expansion continued the town overtook Smithfield in size. The rivers in both towns flow to the James River (formerly Powhatan River).

Pine hoops, barrel staves, poles and shiploads of lumber were major exports from Virginia ports.

Ballast stone from who knows where?

Skipper scared a bear...

...then we found her a stage for her premier Suffolk performance. 

The Visitor's Center resides in the old Courthouse on Main Street, a few hundred yards from the riverfront and Constant's Wharf. Skipper had 2 branches of her family trading on the river from the late 1600s - early 1700s, with the Driver's operating businesses along the waterfront and the Jordan's running a ferry to nearby farms. 

FMI: Smithfield Seaport

Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

 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.