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The Headman statue on Brown's Island, Richmond, Virginia, depicts a 19th-century James River boatman ('headman') and commemorates the early contributions of African Americans to Richmond's river commerce. Designed by sculptor Paul DiPasquale, the bronze figure stands 14 feet high with a 23-foot sweep (oar) and was unveiled in November 1993.
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Headman statue (14 ft with 23 ft sweep oar, Brown's Island)
This pin marks the Big Thing itself. If stopping, choose a safe and legal place nearby.
Site-level location · 37.5340° N, 77.4468° W
FIELD GUIDE
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PRACTICAL
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WHAT TO EXPECT
Brown's Island is closed for a $30 million renovation apart from temporary reopenings for events, according to Richmond BizSense on 17 September 2026, with completion expected around the end of 2026 or early 2027. No dated source says whether the statue is visible from outside the closed area, so check the island's current status before travelling.
ACCESS
Brown's Island, Richmond, Virginia. Public access is limited while the renovation continues (Richmond BizSense, 17 September 2026).
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