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

Golden Ball Tavern

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, March 29, 2009

1. Golden Ball Tavern Marker

Inscription. Here stood a dwelling house, constructed about 1764 by prosperous tobacco merchant, Richard Hanson, who, as a fervent Loyalist, fled Virginia in 1776. During the latter part of the Revolution, the structure became known as the Golden Ball Tavern. According to tradition, British officers serving under Cornwallis were quartered here in 1781. When Petersburg was incorporated as a town in 1784, the town council and the courts used the tavern as their first meeting place. The structure was enlarged by 1820 and utilized as a hotel until after the Civil War when it was used for a number of retail ventures. The building was demolished in 1944.

Erected 2002 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number QA-2.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Notable Buildings • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1764.

Location. 37° 13.961′ N, 77° 24.426′ W. Marker is in Petersburg, Virginia. It is at the intersection of West Old Street and North Market Street on West Old Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Petersburg VA 23803, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Virginia.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

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

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walking distance of this marker: Major Peter Jones (within shouting distance of this marker); Peter Jones Trading Station (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Peter Jones Trading Station (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Peter Jones Trading Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Tavern Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Concrete Bunker (within shouting distance of this marker); Readjuster Party (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Exchange Building (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Petersburg.

Other markers no longer nearby. Petersburg’s Role In Trade (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); Rock Garden (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Corner of Old St & N Market St. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, March 29, 2009

2. Corner of Old St & N Market St.

Archaeological excavation at the site of the Golden Ball Tavern (2008). image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, March 29, 2009

3. Archaeological excavation at the site of the Golden Ball Tavern (2008).

The three-year project, funded primarily by the Cameron Foundation, is a collaborative effort between the Historic Petersburg Foundation, the Prince George Historical Society, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Richard Bland College and the City of Petersburg.

Golden Ball Tavern (front). image. Click for full size.

Photographed by John Romney

4. Golden Ball Tavern (front).

Historic American Buildings Survey (Library of Congress HABS VA,27-PET,18-)

Golden Ball Tavern (rear). image. Click for full size.

Photographed by John Romney

5. Golden Ball Tavern (rear).

Historic American Buildings Survey (Library of Congress HABS VA,27-PET,18-)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 3, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,117 times since then and 84 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 3, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.