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Batteau Rose of Nelson Makes Stop at Darden Towe Park


Location: Darden Towe Park Boat Launch

Date: May 8th, around 12pm

On May 8, 2010, the batteau Rose of Nelson will be making a trip on the Rivanna River, traveling from the South Fork at Rte 29, all the way to Crofton boat landing near Lake Monticello. The batteau expects to stop at the Darden Towe park boat launch at approximately noon on May 8. They will remain at Darden Towe for at least an hour, so the captain and the crew can visit with the public. From there, the batteau will travel down the Rivanna, with the expectation of camping along the river overnight, and reaching Crofton in the morning on Sunday, May 9.

The Rose of Nelson is an example of a historic mode of transportation that was relied on very heavily in the 18th century by farmers and others needing to get their goods downriver to Richmond and beyond. They are 40 feet long and are poled down the river. This is the 2nd annual such excursion by the Rose of Nelson, and it is only possible due to the passage created when the Woolen Mills Dam was removed.

A table will be set up at noon with a representative of the VA Canal and Navigation Society available to provide some information about the society as well as information about the upcoming James River Batteau Fest in June.

For more information, check out their website.


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Batteau Rose of Nelson's 2009 Historic Rivanna River Trip (from their website)