Often overlooked due to the convenience of automobiles and bridges, the
topography of Tidewater Virginia is dominated by four major rivers, the
Potomac, the Rappahannock, the James and the York, and their tributaries.
Travel in 18th-century Tidewater Virginia was complicated by the near
omnipresence of water; but conversely, trade was facilitated by the ease
of moving goods via the great rivers.
Many of the great houses of Virginia were placed
in order to take advantage of the dramatic views the wide rivers
afforded, as here at Carter’s Grove, Carter Burwell’s
famous seat situated on a bluff over the James River.
Often overlooked due to the convenience of automobiles and bridges, the
topography of Tidewater Virginia is dominated by four major rivers, the
Potomac, the Rappahannock, the James and the York, and their tributaries. 
Historic Triangle