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

African American Banjoists

Photographed by Ann Roos, April 20, 2021

1. African American Banjoists Marker

Inscription. West Africans developed the forerunners of the modern banjo. Free and enslaved Africans in the Americas later made similar stringed instruments, typically of animal hides, gourds, wood, and gut or horsehair. Black musicians who lived near here, whose identities are now unknown, taught the banjo to Joel Walker Sweeney (ca. 1810-1860), a local white musician who brought international fame to the banjo and himself. The banjo, in modified form, became a mainstay of American popular culture by the end of the 19th century. By drawing on their musical traditions, this region's African American banjoists shaped the diverse world of American music.

Erected 2018 by Virginia Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number M-37.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list.

Location. 37° 22.958′ N, 78° 47.366′ W. Marker is in Appomattox, Virginia, in Appomattox County. It is on Old Courthouse

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Road (Virginia Route 24) 0.2 miles south of Joel Sweeney Lane ( Route 710), on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Appomattox VA 24522, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Piedmont

and in Central Virginia.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in 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: Popularizer of the Banjo (here, next to this marker); After the Surrender (within shouting distance of this marker); Surrender of the Artillery (within shouting distance of this marker); Artillery Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Appomattox River (within shouting distance of this marker); Lee's Apple Tree (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Charles Sweeney Cabin

Photographed by Gregory Roos

2. African American Banjoists Marker

(approx. 0.2 miles away); Grant and Lee Meeting (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Appomattox.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Appomattox River (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).

Also see . . . Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. National Park Service (Submitted on April 30, 2021.)

Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 13, 2024

3. African American Banjoists Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 13, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 29, 2021, by Gregory Roos of Cincinnati, Ohio. This page has been viewed 520 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 29, 2021, by Gregory Roos of Cincinnati, Ohio. 3. submitted on August 13, 2024, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.