Petersburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Charles Stewart

(ca. 1808-After 1884)

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, January 23, 2019

1. Charles Stewart Marker

Inscription. Charles Stewart, horseman, was born into slavery near Petersburg and spent part of his childhood on Pocahontas Island. At or about age 12 he was sold to William R. Johnson, one of the foremost figures in horse racing, the America’s most popular sport. Stewart succeeded as a jockey, trainer, stable manager, and stallion man, affording him money and fame. Artist Edward Troye painted his portrait with the stallion Medley in 1832. Johnson sent Stewart to run a stable in Kentucky in 1837 and later sold him to Alexander Porter, U.S. Senator from Louisiana. Stewart then supervised Porter’s highly regarded stables. Harper’s New Monthly Magazine published Stewart’s dictated memoir in 1884.

Erected 2017 by Virginia Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number QA 38.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Entertainment • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list.

Location. 37° 14.196′ N, 77° 24.099′ W. Marker is in Petersburg, Virginia. It is at

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the intersection of Sapony Street and Pocahontas Street, on the left when traveling north on Sapony Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Petersburg VA 23803, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Virginia.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Pocahontas Island (here, next to this marker); South Side Station (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named South Side Station (approx. ¼ mile away); Bollingbrook Hotel (approx. ¼ mile away); The McIlwaine House (approx. ¼ mile away); Ladies Confederate Hospital (approx. ¼ mile away); Farmers Market (approx. ¼ mile away); 1864-1865: The Bombardment of Petersburg (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, January 23, 2019

2. Charles Stewart Marker

of all markers in Petersburg.

Other markers no longer nearby. Pocahontas (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); The Battle at the Bridge (was about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing); a different marker also named South Side Station (was approx. ¼ mile away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Potrait "Medley" image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Edward Troye, 1832

3. Potrait "Medley"

Edward Troye's portrait "Medley", depicting the thoroughbred and its handler Charles Stewart.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,269 times since then and 89 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 22, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.