Welcome to R. Garland Dodd Park at Point of Rocks
Captain John Smith's Adventures on the James
Gabriel Archer wrote about a high rock cliff that projected into the channel of the Appomattox River upstream of its confluence with the James. When exploring the river in 1608, Smith found verdant marshes the likes of which can still be seen here at R. Garland Dodd Park at Point of Rocks.
Capt. John Smith’s Trail
John Smith knew the James River by its Algonquian name: Powhatan, the same as the region’s paramount chief. Smith traveled the river many times between 1607 and 1609, trading with Virginia Indians to ensure survival at Jamestown. What he saw of Virginia’s verdant woodlands and pristine waters inspired him to explore the greater Chesapeake Bay, chronicling its natural wonders.
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Trail Walking
This short, well-trod loop passes diverse terrain: hillsides forested in mature hardwoods, the cattail-and-cordgrass marsh along Ashton Creek, and the wide Appomatox River.
Over Looking.
Search for wildlife in the wild rice marsh as you walk along Ashton Creek boardwalk. Virginia Indians relied on these fresh water marshes for some of their food supply.
Bird Watching.
A Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) rests in Arrow Arum (Peltandra virginica). The large rhizome of this plant was dried and grounded by the Virginia Indians for making breads and soups.
Snakes.
A Black Rat Snake (Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta) is coiled in the grass. Most of the snakes that live in the marsh are not poisonous and serve an important role in maintaining a balanced food chain.
Marker can be reached from Enon Church Road (Virginia Route 746) near Ramblewood Drive.
Courtesy hmdb.org
