Near Keysville in Charlotte County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Early Exploration
Abraham Wood, a trader and militia commander, commissioned Thomas Batte and Robert Hallom to explore the Appalachian Mountains in 1671. Their objective was to search the western slopes for tidal rivers, an indication that the Pacific Ocean was nearby. The expedition left the vicinity of present-day Petersburg on 1 Sept. and passed through this area on 3 Sept. Guided first by Penecute, an Appomattox Indian, and later by Saponi and Totero Indians, Batte and Hallom became the first known Anglo-Virginians to cross the Appalachian Mountains. They reached a point about 260 miles west of Virginia's English settlements and believed they observed tidal waters before turning back.Erected 2017 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number F-77.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Exploration • Native Americans. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1671.
Location. 37° 3.389′ N, 78° 28.778′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Four Locust Farm (approx. half a mile away); Keysville (approx. 1.1 miles away); Campaign of 1781 (approx. 1.7 miles away); Southside Virginia Community College (approx. 2 miles away); Old Briery Church (approx. 2 miles away); Joseph Morton (approx. 2 miles away); Charlotte County / Prince Edward County (approx. 2.4 miles away); Greenfield (approx. 5.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Keysville.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Old Marker At This Location also titled "Early Exploration".
Credits. This page was last revised on November 3, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 25, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 165 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 25, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
