History of Cobham Wharf

Surry County Historical Society Newsletter 9/13/2004

The picture to the left is obviously old, maybe the late 1800s or more likely early 1900s. The site is very similar today, except that the wharf and building are missing. Only a few rotten remains of the pilings are still there. Please note that this wharf is at a different place from the Old Town [ca 1740] of Cobham. The town was east of where Gray's Creek enters the James River, near the present day ferry. Cobham Wharf was approximately three miles east, down stream on the James River.

This site is one of the earliest settled in Surry County. It was an important port for shipping the local fruits of labor. Much fruit was raised locally and shipped. Fish were abundant, and shipped from Cobham Wharf.

You will note what looks like a railroad track going down the hill and out on the wharf. Yet, there is no record of a rail line going to Cobham Wharf. It is highly likely a short tram that took merchandise from the top of the hill to the end of the wharf, and vise versa. Was it horse drawn or did it use a donkey steam engine, like those used in the woods to bring out logs? Horses and mules do not like to back up, and maybe they were disconnected from the tram and turned around to bring the tram back up the hill.

Member Margaret Sue Berryman remembers there was an icehouse in the bank on the right of the picture. This was used to keep the fish fresh when taking or shipping them to market. If any reader has more information on Cobham Wharf, The Society would be grateful to have it. JEA

The Smithfield Times 4/18/2007

During its heyday in the mid to late 1800s, Cobham Wharf bustled with shipping activity. According to the Surry Historical Society, the waterfront area, just three miles downstream from Scotland Wharf, was once one of the county's primary ports for shipping fruit and fish out of the county. The property and 150 foot wharf has other historical significance including the fact that is was once owned by William Randolph, a prominent Virginia colonist and a founder of the College of William and Mary. It is also believed that both General Marquis de Lafayette and General Charles Cornwallis crossed the James River near Cobham Wharf during the Revolutionary War.

The current property owners are excited about the opportunity to reconstruct the wharf, thus preserving it’s historical significance and enhancing the beauty of its natural setting.