Even though the working batteau is no longer used, historians and river enthusiasts still keep the memory alive. Batteau crews have hand built replicas of the 18th & early 19th century flat wooden cargo vessels once used to haul tobacco to travel on an 8 day journey from Lynchburg, VA to Maiden’s Landing in Powhatan, VA. Since 1985, the James River Batteau Festival, an annual event sponsored by the Virginia Canal & Navigations Society has had as many as 25 boats and their crews travel the 120 river mile (200 km) distance each year. This event has also become very popular for kayakers and canoeists who enjoy floating along amongst the batteaux on their voyage.
JOURNEY
James River Batteau Festival
Features
JFBF Features
News
Latest Posts
Lady’s Slipper Batteau Flipped – May 11th, 2019 at Gail Timberlake’s House.
It was a fantastic morning at Gail Timberlake’s house in Powhatan, Virginia. John Rothert, one of the JRBF Founders, was…
JRBF-Site Cleanup Days-2019
In preparation for the 2019 James River Batteau Festival, there will be three site cleanup days. Please bring weedeaters and…
Lady’s Slipper – Boat Flipping – Saturday May 11th, 9am – Gail Timberlake’s House
The batteau Lady’s Slipper will be flipped this Saturday, May 11th at 9am at Gail Timberlake’s House. Please come out…