Civil War on the James Tour

 

Civil War on the James Tour

With Civil War Interpreter, Scott Williams

Ride aboard the Discovery Barge II, a 24-pontoon boat on a two hour Civil War on the James Tour. Enjoy the natural beauty of the James River as you trace the Naval actions that took place on the James in the areas of Dutch Gap, Trent's Reach and Jones Neck from 1862-1865. Listen to stories about Confederate torpedoes, the Dutch Gap Canal, the Bermuda Hundred Campaign, and the James River Squadron's desperate attempt to break out at Trent's Reach.

This stretch of river offers a unique opportunity to visualize these historic events in a landscape that has changed little since the time they took place. The Civil War on the James Tour also offers wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities. Listen to Scott Williams, a locat Civil War Interpreter, while Capt. Mike Ostrander guides the Discovery Barge II into places that will take you back in time.

Meet at Deep Bottom Park, 9525 Deep Bottom Road, Henrico, VA 23231
For up to Four People
       
          2-hour Civil War Tour: $400 up to four people
 
 
For More Info or to Book a Private Civil War Tour:
804-938-2350 or Mike@DiscovertheJames.com
 
 
 
Click the following link to see images of the James River during the Civil War
through the Library of Congress' wonderful online library of images.
Click here to go back 150 years.
                        
Top photo:  After the Dutch Gap Canal was cut, only small vessels, such as this one could navigate through the cut. On January 1, 1865, when the smoke from the final explosion to complete the canal had cleared, much of the dirt from the sides and the last wall fell back into the canal, filling it in. The canal's depth was now shallow and only small vessels such as this one could venture through.  For the full story, hop onboard ....
--Historical photo, Library of Congress
 
Below, left:  Civil War Tour interpreter, Scott Williams, dressed in his confederate uniform at sunrise.  This image was taken during a cold, snow-covered morning in January.  We waited for the perfect moment ... just as the sun rose over the tree line on the north bank of the James River. The sun is in the position of downtown Richmond and one can't help but think of the fires and how Richmond burned near the end of the Civil War.
-- Photo by Discover the James

 

What do people have to say about the Civil War on the James Tour?
"I was fortunate to experience the Civil War Tour on the James River with Capt. Mike and his partner, Historian Scott Williams.  As an avid history buff, I must say this was the most interesting and informative experience I have had regarding the Civil War.  And, with the added bonus of wildlife insights and watching Bald Eagle, Osprey and Great Blue Heron in the natural habitat, nothing quite compares.  Thanks to Mike and Scott for a great day on the River James ... don't miss out, it is a mind and eye opener." 
-- Jerry G.