The lifeline that the steamboats provided ecompassed every facet of community's existence...

 1870 to 1925

Prosperity Returns to the Northern Neck by Steamboat

Bringing...

		Wharton Grove: The population of the Northern Neck swelled each August as city pilgrims journeyed by steamboat, and distant locals by any means possible, to church camp revivals. Thousands gathered to greet old and new friends and to experience spiritual revival.
		Country Store: The steamboats brought every item imaginable form the international ports of Baltimore and Norfolk. Locals traded livestock, poultry and produce for newly discovered big city treasurers.
		Tomato Cannery: With the steamboats able to transport vast quantities of goods and the advent of the canning process, small family farms blossomed and canneries sprung up at wharfs dotting the Northern Neck.
		James Adams Floating Theatre: Sleepy towns came to life when the floating community of actors and musicians tied up to local wharf to entertain hundreds on their annual visit.