The James River is one of Virginia’s most iconic natural features. Nowhere is that more apparent than Richmond, the capital city whose history is tied to the river. Head to the heart of the city and you’ll find access to one of the most fascinating landmarks on the river: Belle Isle. This 54-acre river island is managed by the city and functions as a park. The island is steeped in history, and examples of days gone by aren’t hard to find. One prime example is the abandoned hydroelectric power plant. Constructed in the early 1900s, the building has stood vacant for over half a century. The following footage shows a remarkable perspective of the abandoned power plant:
Eli Christman / flickr Belle Isle is steeped in history, beginning with the settlement of the island by Native Americans and eventually colonists. This massive granite outcropping divides the river into two gorges. After heavy rainfall, the rush of water around the island can become so dramatic that it’s heard from miles away. During the Civil War, Belle Isle held a Confederate Prisoner of War camp, where it’s estimated that 30,000 Union men were kept. Conditions were so horrid that the name ‘Belle Isle’ became somewhat notorious.
Bobby Gray / flickr In 1904, Upper Appomattox Co. built the Belle Isle Hydroelectric Plant to power Richmond’s trolley system – the first of its kind in the country. River water shot through metal grates and turbines, prompting the generators to produce electricity. After a few decades, silt began to erode the blades and debris blocked the grates. By 1963, the plant was decommissioned and left for abandon. It’s possible to visit the plant today, but it’s important to take note of the signage put up by the park.
Thanks to the footage below, courtesy of YouTuber your5best, we’re able to experience this historic landmark from a bird’s eye view. See what you think:
What are your thoughts on this drone footage of Belle Isle? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Be sure to join in on the conversation by leaving a comment below. For another abandoned adventure, you can take a thrilling road trip to the 6 most abandoned places in Virginia.
Eli Christman / flickr
Belle Isle is steeped in history, beginning with the settlement of the island by Native Americans and eventually colonists. This massive granite outcropping divides the river into two gorges. After heavy rainfall, the rush of water around the island can become so dramatic that it’s heard from miles away. During the Civil War, Belle Isle held a Confederate Prisoner of War camp, where it’s estimated that 30,000 Union men were kept. Conditions were so horrid that the name ‘Belle Isle’ became somewhat notorious.
Bobby Gray / flickr
In 1904, Upper Appomattox Co. built the Belle Isle Hydroelectric Plant to power Richmond’s trolley system – the first of its kind in the country. River water shot through metal grates and turbines, prompting the generators to produce electricity. After a few decades, silt began to erode the blades and debris blocked the grates. By 1963, the plant was decommissioned and left for abandon. It’s possible to visit the plant today, but it’s important to take note of the signage put up by the park.
Thanks to the footage below, courtesy of YouTuber your5best, we’re able to experience this historic landmark from a bird’s eye view. See what you think:
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Belle Isle, Richmond, VA, USA
