Varina in Henrico County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
First Successful Colonial Tobacco Crop
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, February 17, 2009
1. First Successful Colonial Tobacco Crop Marker
Inscription.
First Successful Colonial Tobacco Crop. . In 1611 John Rolfe became the first Englishman to cultivate tobacco nearby at Varina Farm, on the James River. Rolfe planted seeds bred in Varinas, Spain, and experimented with curing methods to produce a tobacco milder than the native variety. The success of tobacco as a cash crop encouraged the Virginia Company of London and renewed the spirit of confidence among the colonists. It supported a wealthy planter class and enriched shippers and merchants. Tobacco thereby contributed to the economic security and survival of the Virginia colony, and thus the nation.
In 1611 John Rolfe became the first Englishman to cultivate tobacco nearby at Varina Farm, on the James River. Rolfe planted seeds bred in Varinas, Spain, and experimented with curing methods to produce a tobacco milder than the native variety. The success of tobacco as a cash crop encouraged the Virginia Company of London and renewed the spirit of confidence among the colonists. It supported a wealthy planter class and enriched shippers and merchants. Tobacco thereby contributed to the economic security and survival of the Virginia colony, and thus the nation.
Erected 1992 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number V-25.)
Location. 37° 27.211′ N, 77° 22.178′ W. Marker is in Varina, Virginia, in Henrico County. Marker is on New Market Road (Route 5) 0.1 miles east of Varina Road, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2120 New Market Rd, Henrico VA 23231, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow
Also see . . . Virginia Places. Tobacco and Staple Agriculture (Submitted on February 17, 2009.)
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, February 17, 2009
2. First Successful Colonial Tobacco Crop Marker on New Market Road.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 16, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,779 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on February 17, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
