Steve Davis, historian of the Wilson Warehouse, will present a history of the James River & Kanawha Canal that was chartered in 1785, reached Buchanan in 1851, and closed in 1881. It will be held Thursday, June 11, 6-7:30 p.m., at the Wilson Warehouse, 421 Lowe Street in Buchanan.
Davis’s visual presentation will cover the impact of the canal on Buchanan, the construction methods, types of boats, cargo, route of the canal, and remnants of the canal that may be seen today.
The presentation will take place at the historic Wilson Warehouse that was Buchanan’s center of canal shipment activity. Those attending will be able to view actual canal-related documents, ledger books, and more of the John S. Wilson Company.
Tours of the warehouse will be conducted after the presentation, including the 1839 freight hoist system that is still intact today.
The presentation has been arranged by the Botetourt County Libraries. Admission is free. For more information, call the Buchanan Library at 540-928-3005.
~Buchanan Town Improvement Society
