Near Doswell in Caroline County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Meadow Farm

Birthplace of Secretariat

Photographed by Dawn Bowen, July 28, 2007

1. Meadow Farm - Birthplace of Secretariat Marker

Inscription. This famous horsebreeding farm was established in 1936 by Christopher T. Chenery and continued under the management of his daughter, Helen “Penny” Chenery until 1979. Secretariat (1970–-1989), also known as “Big Red,” was born and trained here. A bright chestnut stallion with a white star and narrow stripe, he was a horse of uncommon excellence as he proved when he captured the Triple Crown in 1973. His win at the Belmont Stakes by 31 lengths won him the love and admiration of the nation. Other notable Thoroughbreds such as Riva Ridge, Hill Prince and First Landing also were raised at Meadow Farm.

Erected 1990 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number ND-10.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Animals • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1936.

Location. 37° 51.001′ N, 77° 25.185′ W. Marker is near Doswell, Virginia, in Caroline County. It is on Dawn Blvd. (Virginia Route 30) 1.8 miles east of Interstate 95, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 13111 Dawn Blvd. Doswell VA 23047, Doswell VA 23047, 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 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.

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At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Early Indian Tool Making Camps (approx. 0.4 miles away); Volcano (approx. 1.3 miles away); The Scooby-Doo Ghoster Coaster (approx. 1.4 miles away); Boulder Bumpers (approx. 1½ miles away); Ranger Smith's Jeep Tour (approx. 1½ miles away); Boo Boo's Tree Swings (approx. 1½ miles away); The Wave Swinger (approx. 1½ miles away); Water Works (approx. 1½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Doswell.

Also see . . .
1. Secretariat.com. A site for all things related to this great horse. (Submitted on July 29, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia.)

2. The Meadow Event Park. Home of the State Fair of Virginia. (Submitted on April 10, 2009.)

Additional commentary.
1. Meadow Farm transitions to The Meadow Event Park...
Plans call for restoration of the foaling shed and several stall barns used by Secretariat, as well as a display paying homage to The Meadow’s equestrian history, and later a Museum of the Virginia Horse...At least it's not another shopping mall or McMansion pseudo-estate.

— Submitted April 10, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.