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. It is at the
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, 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: John Kirby, Jazz Musician (within shouting distance of this marker); Evans Family Memories (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Let the Good Times Roll (approx. 0.2 miles away); 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
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 580 times since then and 41 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.
