James River

Facts about the James River

The James River is 348 miles long, and is attached to an upper tributary called the Jackson River, which is 96.4 miles long.

The river was originally called the Powhatan River, named for the chief of the Powhatan Confederacy of Native American tribes. The English colonists named it the "James" river after King James I of England.

High water on the James River

The Varina Enon Bridge over the James River

Sycamore Bark on tree along the James River near Richmond, Virginia

Geese riding the current on the James River

Photos by Erik Weems - for prints: prints@erikweems.com

AMAZON: Cradle of America: A History of Virginia

Original Page November 21, 2010 | Updated Nov 22, 2021