About

Installed in the devastating wake of Hurricane Camille on August 19, 1969 - claiming many local lives and destroying most all downtown businesses - the flood wall was installed for future protection along the Maury River, which bisects Rockbridge County, and flows into the James River at Balcony Falls, where the town of Glasgow now stands. Completed in the 1990s, its dedication included a community-wide chorus singing "The Night of the Flood," a folksong written in the days after the catastrophe: heralding the resilience and tight community connections of Buena Vista, site of the state's famous Labor Day Parade for campaigning politicians, as the City gradually re-built in the following decades. Now a beautiful river walk along the Maury, new interpretive panels are being developed along its walking path to connect with Glen Maury Park (site of the state's famous annual Labor Day Parade). They will provide visitors and recreationalists connecting and Glen Maury Park with context on the area's natural resources, its leading role in 19th-20th century industry and transportation, and distinct cultural legacies. Future connections are being developed to connect with the Appalachian Trail, and the Chessie Trail, a former canal tow-path and rail-bed that connects pedestrians, joggers, and cyclists between Buena Vista and Lexington. Parking is available on 10th Street and 21st Street.