Winchester, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Spottswood Poles
(1886-1962)
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, April 17, 2020
1. Spottswood Poles Marker
Spottswood Poles, baseball player and decorated World War I soldier, was born in Winchester and lived near here. From 1906 until 1923, a period that largely predated the Negro Leagues, he starred on all-black teams such as the Harrisburg Giants, the Philadelphia Giants, and the New York Lincoln Giants. His speed, high batting average, and outstanding defensive play won him recognition as one of the best players of his era. Pole interrupted his career to serve in World War I. As a sergeant with the 369th U.S. Infantry, known as the Harlem Hellfighters, he was wounded in action during the Meuse-Argonne offensive in France. Poles died in 1962 and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Erected 2019 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number Q-4 2.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Sports • War, World I. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list.
Location. 39° 11.393′ N, 78° 9.628′ W. Marker is in Winchester, Virginia. Marker is at the intersection of North Kent Street and Kern Street, on the right when traveling north on North Kent Street. Touch for map
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. John Kirby, Jazz Musician (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Loudoun (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Fort Loudoun (approx. 0.2 miles away); Washington's Well (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of Fort Loudoun (approx. 0.2 miles away); Jackson’s Headquarters (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Jackson’s Headquarters (approx. ¼ mile away); Third Battle of Winchester (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Winchester.
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, April 17, 2020
2. Spottswood Poles Marker
Public Domain
3. Spottswood Poles circa 1910
Credits. This page was last revised on October 30, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 248 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 17, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
