Ettrick in Chesterfield County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Local Workforce At The Mills

Virginia State University

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 8, 2020

1. Local Workforce At The Mills Marker

Inscription. A small village was established by the early 1800's along the Appomattox River with 200 workers who operated the cotton mill. Millworkers' housing from the mid- 19th century onward is one of the outstanding features of the Ettrick Historic District. Nearly all residents of Ettrick in 1859 — 830 individuals — were laborers or craftsmen craftsmen, such as carpenters, machinists, and blacksmiths. Two-thirds of the male population worked in Petersburg. Ettrick's cotton mills mostly employed female workers. Since crafts and trades were restricted to men, the only positions open to women were unskilled, low-paying mill jobs. Many children worked alongside these women. Census records from 1870 confirm this pattern of children workers. Each census page for Ettrick lists several children "working at mill", some as young as 10 years old.

Erected by Virginia State University.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Women. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.

Location. 37° 13.984′ N,

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77° 25.044′ W. Marker is in Ettrick, Virginia, in Chesterfield County. It is on Chesterfield Avenue (Virginia Route 36), on the right when traveling west. 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 Virginia’s Piedmont,

in Central Virginia,

and in the Richmond Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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: "The Rocks" (a few steps from this marker); Mr. Frederick Francoz Simms (a few steps from this marker); The Beginning of Ettrick (a few steps from this marker); The History of Virginia State University (a few steps

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 8, 2020

2. Local Workforce At The Mills Marker

from this marker); Shaping Of The Town (within shouting distance of this marker); Silk Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); Simms Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Railroad Crossing Over The Appomattox River (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ettrick.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Ettrick (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Additional keywords. child labor

Credits. This page was last revised on May 9, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 9, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 532 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 9, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.