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

Robert Hicks

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, May 9, 2009

1. Robert Hicks Marker

Inscription. Robert Hicks was born about 1658. By the 1690s he lived at Fort Henry near Petersburg and led traders to the Indians on the southern frontier. About 1709 he moved here to the future site of Hicksford (present-day Emporia) and became captain of the Surry County Rangers, a frontier militia unit. He commanded Fort Christanna from about 1714 to 1718. In 1722 he helped Virginia Lt. Gov. Alexander Spotswood conclude a peace treaty with the Iroquois in Albany, New York. He briefly joined William Byrd II and his crew surveying the Virginia-North Carolina boundary line in 1728. Hicks died nearby before 7 Feb. 1739/40.

Erected 1997 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number UM-49.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 7, 1739.

Location. 36° 41.231′ N, 77° 32.529′ W. Marker is in Emporia, Virginia. It is at the intersection of South Main Street and Spring Street, on the right when traveling north on South Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Emporia VA 23847, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southside Virginia

and specifically 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 walking distance

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of this marker: Chaplain Thomas M. Bulla (a few steps from this marker); Greensville County (within shouting distance of this marker); Benjamin D. Tillar, Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker); In Memoriam (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Veterans of the 1914-1918 World War I (about 300 feet away); Emporia – Greensville Veteran War Memorial (about 600 feet away); Shiloh Baptist Church (about 700 feet away); Grave of Gen. John R. Chambliss, Jr. (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Emporia.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Confederate Soldiers of Greensville County (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).

South Main Street (facing north) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, May 9, 2009

2. South Main Street (facing north)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2017. It was originally submitted on May 13, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,178 times since then and 72 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 13, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.