Where does the James River begin in Virginia?
The James River begins its journey in the Appalachian Mountains near Iron Gate. It forms from the meeting of the Cowpasture and Jackson rivers in Botetourt County.
Questions about James River
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did Jamestown colonists name the river after King James I of England?
Jamestown colonists arrived in 1607 and named it James after King James I of England. They constructed the first permanent English settlement in the Americas along these banks about 100 miles upstream from the bay.
Why was fishing banned on the James River for thirteen years starting in December 1975?
Virginia Governor Mills Godwin Jr. shut down fishing for 100 miles in December 1975 due to contamination by the insecticide Kepone. The ban extended from Richmond to the Chesapeake Bay and remained in effect until 1988.
How many square miles does the James River drainage basin cover as recorded in 2000?
The James River drains a catchment comprising approximately 10,000 square miles. The watershed includes an area with a population of 2.5 million people as recorded in 2000.
What is the length of the most intense rapids section on the James River near downtown Richmond?
The most intense stretch measures 3.5 miles and ends in downtown Richmond. Here the river goes over the fall line creating class III conditions.