Fredericksburg has experienced floods since its earliest settlement. The Rappahannock River originates 77 miles to the west, in a mountain spring, and the upriver watershed drains a very large expanse. By the time is passes Fredericksburg, the river's flow has become substantial. the worst flood of record occurred in October 1942, when a tropical hurricane intruded and then dissipated over the watershed and a slow cold front brought a final two-hour cloudburst.

The plain in front of you helps control the impacts of river floods. The open, undeveloped land allows floodwaters to spread out, which absorbs their velocity as well as their volume. The trees within this riparian zone stabilize the stream banks and absorb pollutants. Vast amounts of moving water can severely impact the built environment, but floodplains kept in their natural state help to mitigate potential flood damage elsewhere.

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Show me all markers in:  Fredericksburg, VA  |  22401  |  Virginia  |  United States of America

Bound for Freedom
Veterans of Foreign Wars Eternal Flame
Encounter at the Fall Line
Freedom Began Here
Anthony Burns
Moncure Daniel Conway
Conway House
Carl's
Shelton Cottage
Harnessing The River's Power Historical

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