the 6.2-mile float from King’s Bridge Landing (VA Scenic Byway 360) to Terry’s Bridge (US Highway 360)
Portions of the riverine environment have changed very little since the time Colonel William Byrd, II travelled through the "charming low grounds" when returning to his Westover Plantation near Richmond from North Carolina with John Banister, III, the son of Virginia’s first naturalist and English clergyman, for whom the river was named. "We pitched our tents upon Banister River, where we feasted on a young buck which had the ill luck to cross our way." A Journey to the Land of Eden in the Year 1733.
For a century this section of the river was plied by flat-bottomed batteau, the "semi-trailers" of nineteenth century watercourse commerce. "If the Banister is running low and clear, you’ll be able to see the remains of nineteenth century batteau sluices and many other interesting features," says Town of Halifax Manager and avid paddler Carl Espy.
"This particular section of the river," he continues, "has sparked a great deal of interest with local historians, area planners, naturalists and a variety of state agencies because of its rich historic, cultural and natural features," including what The Dan River Atlas terms "some of the best preserved batteau sluices in Virginia." 63.3 miles of the Banister, which flows past the Town of Halifax, are designated a State Scenic River. It is a tributary of the Dan River sub-basin and the Roanoke River Basin. From roaring rapids to tranquil creeks, the Virginia Scenic Rivers System reflects the diversity of Virginia’s natural landscape. Each scenic river possesses outstanding aesthetic, natural, historic and recreational features. The 50th anniversary of the Virginia Scenic Rivers Program in 2020 is an occasion to celebrate these special rivers and the communities that care for them; go to: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/recreational-planning/sr50