James River Steam Brewery Cellars

James River Steam Brewery Cellars are underground chambers with stone-lined barrel-vaulted tunnels stretching approximately 146 feet and ranging from 10 to 17 feet in width. These rooms served as storage for beer and showcase 19th-century industrial architecture with carefully finished granite masonry.

These underground rooms were built in 1866 and are the last remaining structure of the James River Steam Brewery, which operated until 1879. The brewery building itself was destroyed later, but the cellars survived the passage of time.

The cellars display skilled 19th-century construction craftsmanship with carefully cut granite stones and thoughtful storage methods developed long before electric refrigeration. They offer a view into how breweries of that era kept their products fresh without modern cooling technology.

The cellar rooms sit on private property on Old Main Street, which means visitors need to arrange access in advance. The location lies near the Rocketts Landing development, which can help with orientation.

This brewery maintained business ties with Eagle Brewery of Pottsville, now known as Yuengling Brewery, the oldest continuously operating brewery in America. The connection reveals how regional breweries of the 19th century were linked to one another.

Location: Henrico County

Inception: 1866

Address: 4920 Old Main Street

GPS coordinates: 37.51610,-77.41580

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:40