Mystery on the James River

I saw this structure along the banks of the James River as we crossed the Manchester Bridge. I am curious as to its age and purpose. My husband thought it might be a Civil War storage facility bricked over. I can't even hazard a guess. Any ideas?

[Tracy Watkins]

I have no clue what it could be but it is a very good picture.. You did a great job capturing it!

[Allison Williams]

Thanks, Tracy, for making me realize I could use this for the weekly theme!

[Lyn Wilkinson]

Very cool. I did a quick google search and I found a reference to a turn of the century chlorination facility. It did say that it was concrete and this looks like brick, so I'm not sure if what I found matches your building.

[Ginette Bellefeuille]

I will check it out.. I am curious now... could be what Lyn wrote...

[agentz]

Interesting place Allison - no idea what it could be but intriguing!

[Ann Carey]

I was curious too. I found these through google images
http://www.flickr.com/photos/15033864@N07/3685800322/in/set-72157621679991588/

[Mrs. Smith]

Fascinating! And a Mystery, too! :)

[Jodie Atkinson]

Ohh, a mystery, I love a good mystery! Great spotting and shot Allison :)

[Allison Williams]

Thanks to Ann Carey for providing pictures that solve the mystery.

[Jesse Wallace]

Great shot Allison - love the almost primeval look

[Krissy]

Whatever it is, it's very cool looking!

[Suzanne Kight]

It's a rock climbing wall...at least that's what it is now. I don't know the origin of this structure, but it is quite popular now with the rock climbing folk.

[Lois P]

How interesting. Would like to find out more about this!