Milton Batteaux, Boatmen, Hogsheads and Coopers

Barrels called Hogsheads were "prized," or filled, with tobacco or flour, rolled down to the Dan River and shipped on "Batteaux," which were flat-bottomed boats. Men who made hogsheads were called "Coopers."
This display is in honor of William Watkins, free Person of color Boatman, and Ellis G. Bowler and Wesley Martin—both Free Persons of color Coopers. All three were recorded in the 1850 Milton census.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Agriculture • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.
Location. 36° 32.337′ N, 79° 12.355′ W. Marker is in Milton, North Carolina, in Caswell County. It is on Broad Street (Highway 57) just east of Liberty Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 169 Broad St, Milton NC 27305, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Piedmont. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Milton State Bank (a few steps from this marker); Friou-Hurdle House (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas Day (within shouting distance of this marker); Milton General Store (within shouting distance of this marker); The Franklin B. Jones Homeplace (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas House (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Milton Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Melville (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Milton.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 25, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 335 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 25, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.