Danville, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Tobacco Heritage Mural
December 2016
This mural, created by noted artist West Hardin, recalls a time when growers from throughout the Piedmont would bring their flue-cured, "bright leaf" tobacco to Danville to be sold, first by bateaux, using the Dan River canal system, then by rail or wagon. Piles of loose-leaf tobacco, which allowed for the inspection of individual leaves, were sold under the lilting cadence of auctioneers taking bids. This became known as the Danville System and soon became an industry standard. By the late nineteenth century, Danville's Tobacco Warehouse district had become a regional hub for the processing, storage and distribution of the popular "golden leaf."
The Historic Murals Committee and the River District Association proudly dedicate this mural to the families, growers, laborers, warehouse owners, processors and auctioneers who made Danville "The World's Best Tobacco Market."
Erected 2016 by The Historic Murals Committee and the River District Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce.
Location. 36° 35.212′ N, 79° 23.359′ W. Marker is in Danville, Virginia. Marker is at the intersection of Craghead Street and Loyal Street,
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Danville Tobacco Warehouse and Residential District (a few steps from this marker); Confederate Prison No. 6 (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Prison Number 6 (about 400 feet away); The Worsham Street Bridge (about 500 feet away); Loyal Baptist Church (about 600 feet away); The Wreck of Old 97 (about 700 feet away); Bloody Monday (about 700 feet away); Danville System (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Danville.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 119 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 26, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
