Andover in Merrimack County, New Hampshire — The American Northeast (New England)
Potter Place
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 29, 2007
1. Potter Place Marker
The community takes its name from Richard Potter, noted magician, ventriloquist and showman. This 19th century master of the Black Arts was known throughout America. He died here in 1835 in his mansion, a showplace in the town. He is buried in a small plot on his once extensive estate.
Erected by State of New Hampshire. (Marker Number 54.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1835.
Location. 43° 26.304′ N, 71° 51.245′ W. Marker is in Andover, New Hampshire, in Merrimack County. Marker is on Main Street (U.S. 4) just east of Depot Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is located in a pull-out/turn-around on the south side of the highway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Andover NH 03216, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. New London War Memorial (approx. 6.6 miles away); a different marker also named New London War Memorial (approx. 6.6 miles away); Hotels and Camps (approx. 6.7 miles away); Birthplace of Daniel Webster (approx. 8.1 miles away); John Sargent Pillsbury
this page online
Also see . . .
1. America’s first Black Magician, Richard Potter. "African American Registry" Website entry:
Potter was born in New Hampshire, the son of an English baronet and an African servant woman. He was educated in Europe before beginning his 25-year career as a performer in post-Revolutionary America. Potter’s prestidigitation with eggs, money, and cards was considered of scientific interest, and he often performed at the Columbia Museum in Boston. He could throw knives and touch a hot iron to his tongue, walk on flames, and dance on eggs without breaking them. (Submitted on December 2, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Potter Place Railroad Station. Wikipedia entry:
Built in 1874, it is one of the best-preserved surviving 19th-century railroad stations in Merrimack County. It now houses the museum of the Andover Historical Society. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, #89000189. The homestead site and grave of magician Richard Potter and his wife are located across the railroad right-of-way from the station. (Submitted on December 2, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 29, 2007
2. Potter Place Railroad Depot
3. Richard Potter. Find A Grave entry (Submitted on March 20, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Sue Fetzer via Find a Grave, June 2, 2020
3. The Potter family gravesite
The gravesite were moved from its original location on the Potter property when the railroad came through. It is now adjacent to the depot.
Photographed By Larry Gertner, November 2, 2010
4. Richard Potter: Pioneering African American Magician
Travalanche website entry
Potter is widely hailed as both the first American magician and the first African American magician. Potter performed along the entire East Coast as far south and inland as Alabama, and made a fortune while doing it. He was especially big in Boston, his primary base of operations, making him the premier showman there. By 1814 Potter was rich enough to purchase a 175 acre piece of land in Andover, New Hampshire an build an estate there. The area is still called Potter Place.
(Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida; 12/02/2020)
Click for more information.
Potter is widely hailed as both the first American magician and the first African American magician. Potter performed along the entire East Coast as far south and inland as Alabama, and made a fortune while doing it. He was especially big in Boston, his primary base of operations, making him the premier showman there. By 1814 Potter was rich enough to purchase a 175 acre piece of land in Andover, New Hampshire an build an estate there. The area is still called Potter Place.
(Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida; 12/02/2020)
Click for more information.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 447 times since then and 79 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 2, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 3. submitted on March 20, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 4. submitted on May 10, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
