Transforming the James River in Richmond

by Ralph Hambrick, Bill Street - CEO James River Association (Foreword)

The James River is the centerpiece of Richmond, but by the mid-twentieth century it had been abused and neglected. Eagles and sturgeon had nearly disappeared, water-powered industry was abandoning it and the river was a sewer. Today, the river draws visitors to its wooded shorelines, restored canal and feisty rapids. At the local level, this transformation was the result of citizen action, public-private partnerships, difficult decisions by governmental leaders and the hard work of thousands of passionate advocates and volunteers. Local author and lifelong river watcher Ralph Hambrick chronicles the events, projects and controversies that brought about the dramatic change and lends a critical eye to the results.

Genres: Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

Published April 6, 2020

Reviews

[Dan Ream · Rating 5 out of 5]

My interest in this book is undoubtedly enhanced by my living less than a mile from the James River and walking along it 4 or 5 times each week near Pony Pasture Park. I love that the focus of this book is on the ten miles or so of the James that are in Richmond and for the most part the focus is on its history from 1950 to 2020. Fascinating and scary to learn that the area I stroll each week was once slated for a Riverside Expressway that fortunately was thwarted by local activism. Sorry to realize that such local activism could not save Jackson Ward or the Byrd Park areas from similar highway destruction of their neighborhoods. Also fascinating to learn that public access to the river ( except by crossing private property) didn’t exist until the 1970s and the creation of the James River Park system. All in all , this is a fascinating and well-written history of the James River in Richmond.

[Billy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good review of the state of the James conservation wise. I learned a lot about my home river that I didn't know.

[Sheamus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough but never boring look at the river that runs through Downtown Richmond. My enjoyment no doubt enhanced by seeing the river each day