Summary

The 2022 issue of The Tiller includes articles on Virginia batteaux, canal history, and the work of the Virginia Canals and Navigations Society. Highlights include Bill Trout’s “Artistic Licence,” which questions familiar historical images of canal life, Will Smith’s essay on launching James River Batteau Company, and “The Great James River Batteau Robbery,” on the theft of Thomas Jefferson’s trunk and Indian-language papers during batteau transport in 1809.

Tags

James River batteaux; Virginia canal history; Thomas Jefferson; James River Batteau Festival; Scottsville; Bill Trout; public history; river navigation; batteau tours; VCNS

Notable People
Brian Coffield; Bill Trout; Will Smith; Thomas Jefferson; Will Cash.

Notable Places
James River; Scottsville; Richmond; Balcony Falls; Lynchburg; Monticello; Milton; Rivanna River; Rassawek.

Featured Topics
Batteau preservation and public interpretation; artistic depictions of canal boats; James River Batteau Company; the Great James River Batteau Robbery; VCNS annual report and conference; 2022 JRBF photo coverage.