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

Newmarket Racecourse

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, May 12, 2020

1. Newmarket Racecourse Marker

Inscription. Newmarket Racecourse, a one-mile oval built just north of here by 1793, was among the foremost tracks in the nation when horse racing was America's most popular sport. Races were significant social events that attracted competitors and spectators from great distances. Champions Sir Archy, Boston, and Planet raced at Newmarket, and prominent horseman William R. Johnson, known as the "Napoleon of the Turf," based his stables here. Many of the track's grooms, exercise riders, jockeys, and trainers were enslaved African Americans. During the Civil War, fighting took place near the racecourse on 18 June 1864 and 25 March 1865. The track declined after the war and ceased to exist by 1903.

Erected 2018 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number K-125.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Sports • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1793.

Location. 37° 14.302′ N, 77° 22.511′ W. Marker is in Petersburg, Virginia. Marker is at the intersection of East Washington Street (Virginia Route 36) and Gibbons Avenue, on the right when traveling east on East

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Washington Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Petersburg VA 23803, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Battle of Petersburg, 25 April 1781 (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Maine Heavy Artillery Monument (approx. 0.4 miles away); Lee's Last Offensive (approx. half a mile away); Colquitt's Salient (approx. half a mile away); Wasted Valor (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Colquitt’s Salient (approx. half a mile away); Prince George Court House Road (approx. half a mile away); Fort Stedman (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Petersburg.

East Washington Street (facing east) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, May 12, 2020

2. East Washington Street (facing east)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 5, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 12, 2020, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 468 times since then and 74 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 12, 2020, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.