From the Richmond Dispatch, 7/19/1866, p. 1, c. 4

THE CONFEDERATE WAYS AT ROCKETTS – A NEW WHARF TO BE ERECTED. – The old Confederate landing ways at Rocketts are now being removed preparatory to building a wharf two hundred and thirty feet long and thirty feet wide. The wharf will be built upon piles of the largest size, driven ten feet, with cap logs sixteen inches square, twelve-inch sleepers, and covered with three-inch plank, with white oak fender piles of large dimensions. It is being put up higher than that which adjoins it, so that it will not be submerged during the freshets. All the material used will be of the best quality, and the whole work will be executed in the most substantial manner.

On the same property a freight-shed of store-house, on hundred and twenty feet long and fifty feet wide, is being built. It will be supported on three tiers of white oak posts, buried six feet in the ground, and will be six feet above the level of the adjoining shed. The shed will be enclosed by sliding doors, and will be put up in the most durable and workmanlike manner. It will be covered with tin, in view of its proximity to the sparks which are continually falling from the funnels of the steamers.

All these improvements are mainly due to Messrs. Samuel Ayres & Co., the enterprising agents of the Atlantic Coast Mail Steamship line. These gentlemen are determined to encourage their own people, and have refused all contracts offered to be undertaken by northern firms, in order that they might be able to employ the industrious mechanics of this city to execute their work. Such an example as this should be universally followed, and reflects great credit upon the Messrs. Ayres.

Messrs. J. & F. Gibson are building the wharf, and Mr. C. T. Fox is building the shed.

There is a great deal of energy and enterprise in Rocketts, and it is daily increasing in importance, and the appearance of substantial prosperity.

• Prev
• Next