James River Overlook

James Alexander, also known as Jim Lewis, was a locally enslaved Black man who served as General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson’s “body servant” during the Civil War. During heavy flooding in January 1854, a canal boat with 45 passengers became stranded in the wild waters of the James River at Balcony Falls. Padget led four other men in a brave rescue effort. Unable to fight the current while attempting to rescue the last passenger, Padget tragically drowned. Balcony Falls is difficult to access unless you’re on the river. At the T-junction of US 501/Hwy 130, turn right onto US 501 south and drive two miles to the James River Overlook. This large gravel pull-off is about a quarter mile past the Amherst County sign. Walk to the southern edge of the pull-off and look down to see the falls far below.