James

Americans who remember their history know the story of Jamestown, the first permanent settlement of the British Empire on the new continent of North America on the James River.  But before the British, the native American Powhatans used this river to fish for sturgeon and other freshwater fish and used the flooded banks of this river for their agriculture.  Once settlement was started by the white man some beautiful plantations were constructed up and down the river with most labor (forced) provided by the black man.  The first windmill of the new world was built along the James River shores at the fairy-tale named Flowerdew Hundred Plantation.  This river is one of the longest rivers in the United States.  Its history is filled with death and harsh industrial growth and war that conflicts with its gentle flow that on most days turns like the soft skirts of a plantation lady's gown.

This river is magical and magnetic and I think also one of the most lovely.  I spent some time recently in a tiny town that sits back from the flood banks of the river and one evening my husband and I took a slow, peaceful walk across the grasses.  Come along and I will push you on the tire swing for a while and also bring some bread to feed the geese later.  Click on the photos if you are not afraid of getting your feet a little wet.