Off
The Beaten Path The
online source of what to see in Fredericksburg
Every few months, SimplyFredericksburg
will take you on a journey to places that most
people visiting (and many residing in) Fredericksburg don't get to see.
These are places that are "Off The Beaten Path". There are many great sites
to see in the area that are just not highly advertised or publicized. So
sit back and take a short trip "Off the beaten path".
We will, (in most cases), provide you with
photos and a brief description of each location. As always, we encourage
you and others to see these sites in person. We do not try to replace an
actual visit.
Virginia Electric and Power Company's Embrey Power Station
Volume #1a
The Virginia Electric and Power Company's Embrey Power Station (originally
named Spotsylvania Water Power Company Power House Number 1). The Spotsylvania
Water Power Company was noted for providing the city with "the lowest rates
for electric lights, heat and power on the Atlantic Seaboard, from Maine
to Florida." The plant was in operation until the early 1960's, when it
was shut down when it became cheaper to use the power supplied from the
Virginia Electric Power Company (VEPCO). The plant remains vacant today.
There is not much to see today of old Power Plant built in 1910. From
the banks of the Rappahannock (Falmouth side) you can see the outlets of
the turbines which turned the dynamos. The plant was powered by water from
an underground headrace which extended off the water power company's canal.
While visiting the old power plant, head across Caroline Street and
walk towards Old Mill Park (North-West). A sign telling the story of the
Old Mill district is located about 200 yards from the Power Plant. Across
from the sign is the water wheel pit that the Washington Woolen Mill used.
The mill is gone, but the pit is definitely still there. Next to the pit
is the Ruins of the Germania Flour Mill.
Directions: Take Jefferson Davis Hwy to Princess Anne St. Turn right onto Ford St. Power Station is directly in front. Access to the station is restricted. Check it out before it is gone.
We are currently looking for an area guide to keep this section up-to-date and accurate. The "Off the Beaten Path" section is a the brain child of the webmaster. However he only gets to update it when time allows. If you have an idea, topic or content for this section, please let us know. If you are interested in helping out SimplyFredericksburg.com by updating pages and catagories, please contact them here.
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Off
The Beaten Path The
online guide of what to see in Fredericksburg a
service of Simply Web Services