This trunk was the property of William Barnes Carper. After his death, his Atlanta wife followed his wishes and donated it to the Botetourt County Historical Society, Inc. The 28-by-15 by-14-inch trunk is made of metal, leather and wood. The leather is hand tooled with geometric designs and the lock and key were made in England. William Carper’s father used it in his work traveling up and down the James River and Kanawha Canal. From 1785-1851 the canal system was used to facilitate shipment of freight and passengers by water from Buchanan to Richmond. Each bateau could carry 7-8 tons. These flat bottom boats were 45 feet long and 7 feet wide. They were propelled by men with poles and horses in a towpath through locks. George Washington‘s dream of using the James River to develop access to Point Pleasant on the Ohio River and the Mississippi ended in Eagle Rock. More information can be found along with this trunk at the Botetourt Museum of History and Culture in Fincastle.
~ Botetourt County Museum of History & Culture
