Holcombe Rock rises as a high cliff over the James River, with dense trees and brush along the bank. The printed caption gives the landmark a local legend: a man named Holcombe was driven onto the rock by Indians and escaped capture by leaping into the river, since none of his pursuers dared follow. The story turns a rugged river overlook into a small drama of pursuit and escape, the kind of local lore often attached to scenic landmarks in early twentieth-century guidebooks and postcards.
Postcard Details
Message · English, in pen
Aug 7, 1914.
Your card received,
I was glad to hear
that you were still
in the land of existence.
Alice is here now.
Wish you could be
here while she is
here. When are you
coming down? I
[illegible]
in Sept. or maybe
the last of this month.
Sincerely
Ruthie
White border at right with vertical caption; visible halftone dot pattern; rounded corners and edge wear.
Postmark: BIG ISLAND AUG 7 8 AM 1914 VA. Divided back, white caption border on front, halftone texture; light edge wear and a few stains.
Cite this card
Holcombe Rock over James River, VA, 1914, postcard, c. 1914. PostalPast Collection. https://postalpast.com/postcard/holcombe-rock-over-james-river-va-1914. Accessed November 2, 2026.
