Dutch
Gap Canal Lights were constructed at either end of the canal in 1875 near
Hopewell, Virginia on the upper James River. The lights were two 27-foot
post lights. The lights were originally to be a sixth order, but it was
decided to use small lanterns, burning mineral oil. The canal was constructed
by Union troops in 1864 to create a short cut across an oxbow in the James
River.
The keeper’s quarters, a plain frame dwelling, was built on a bluff on what became Farrar's Island after the completion of the canal. The house was moved in 1890 on rollers about 130 feet without the need of much repair due to erosion of the cliffs.
The lights were often washed away due to flooding and were deactivated and replaced in 1910 with fixed lights. With the installation of the new lights, the keeper’s house was rented out. Over time the house fell into disrepair and was demolished.
The Dutch Gap Canal Lights are now part of an 800-arce conservation area maintained by Henricus Park. There are some ruins that remain of the keeper’s house and the canal has silted and dried up in areas. The gap is easily visible from the southbound I-295 bridge James River Bridge.
Photo of remains of keeper's quarters on Farrar's Island.
Exit 61A - Rt. 10 (Iron Bridge Rd.)
East on Rt.10 to first stoplight- Rt. 732 (Old Stage Rd.)
North on Rt.732 to Rt. 615 (Coxendale Rd.)
Right on Rt. 615 to Henricus Rd.
Follow for two miles to Dutch Gap Conservation Area/ Henricus Historical Park.
From I-295: North or South
Exit 15 - Rt.10 (Iron Bridge Rd.)
West 3.5 miles To Rt. 732 (Old Stage Rd.)
North on Rt.732 to Rt. 615 (Coxendale Rd.)
Right on Rt. 615 to Henricus Rd.
Follow for two miles to Dutch Gap Conservation Area/ Henricus Historical
Park.
2001(c) Chesapeake Chapter, USLHS. All rights reserved.