Project for Making the Rivanna River Navigable, 1771
A curious document outlining a project proposal to widen a river. (Thomas Jefferson listed this project above the Declaration of Independence in a list of accomplishments in 1800.) What I find interesting is that he observed that with just the removal loose stone from the river bed that river could be more easily navigated via canoe. The improvements to the river brought a benefit to the local community for 35 years.
Amendments to a Bill concerning the Keeping of Roads and Bridges, [April?] 1772
Some interesting considerations are listed herein with reference to the acquisition of lands for public roadways. Similar considerations are made for any form of public works when private lands are needed to complete the project. This has caused me to reflect on the simple roads that run through my own property near Kirksville. Also, I was reflecting the ambitious acquisition of land in Phoenix when Highway 51 (Squaw Peak Parkway) was built which channeled straight through the core of many neighborhoods in order to create a highway to ease the burden of traffic congestion on the city.