The wall of granite ahead is the remnant of a small quarry. Granite from this site may have been used in the construction of the canal locks or canal arch in this park.

Quarrying was a major industry in Richmond during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The city's location on the Fall Line yields a natural abundance of this hard stone. Local granite can be found in old curbstones and sidewalks throughout the city and is a prominent feature throughout Shockoe Slip.

Look for a series of finger sized grooves along the edge of a piece of granite in front of you. These marks were made by a rock splitting techniques called the "Feather and Wedge" system.

A series of holes was drilled in a straight line where the stone was to be split.

Two "L"-shaped pieces of iron (called "feathers") were placed in the holes and a wedge was hammered down between them.

The feathers allowed the wedge to be loosened and pressure to be readjusted. When the pressure was even the stone would split in a straight line.

As you explore this park, try to find these marks on the walls of the canal and Pump House.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  

Richmond at the Falls
Mule-Fueled Waterway
Byrd Park Pump House
Pumps and Parties
Water Water Everywhere
River & Canal
The Carillon
Maymont, Gilded Age Estate
James & Sallie Dooley
Historic Estate

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.