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

Fearnought

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, May 9, 2009

1. Fearnought Marker

Inscription. The famous Thoroughbred racehorse Fearnought, a dominating racer in Great Britain and the foremost colonial-era sire in America, was foaled in England in 1755. In 1764, John Baylor brought him to Newmarket in Caroline County, where he stood at stud until Baylor's death in 1772. William Edwards, of Hicksford (now Emporia), then bought Fearnought and owned him until the horse died in 1776. During his 12 years in Virginia, Fearnought was the leading stallion in America, siring mounts of superior size, strength, and speed. His offspring won many races and carried civil and military leaders such as Thomas Jefferson and Gen. Horatio Gates.

Erected 2006 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number UM-54.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Colonial Era • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1755.

Location. 36° 41.527′ N, 77° 32.39′ W. Marker is in Emporia, Virginia. It is at the intersection of North Main Street (U.S. 301) and Virginia Avenue, on the right when traveling north on North 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.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: John Day (within shouting distance of this marker); Hicksford Raid (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Emporia Railroad History (approx. 0.2 miles away); Tarleton's Movements (approx. 0.2 miles away); Meherrin River Trail (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hicksford Raid Monument (approx. ¼ mile away); Samuel Wilbert Tucker (1913~1990) (approx. ¼ mile away); Shiloh Baptist Church (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Emporia.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Butts Tavern (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . .
1. Thoroughbred Heritage. Fearnought (Submitted on May 13, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)

2. The Baylors of Newmarket: The Decline and Fall of a Virginia Planter Family. 2009 book by Thomas Katheder on John Baylor the person from whom William Edwards purchased Fearnought. (Submitted on July 12, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.) This website may earn income if you use this link to make a purchase on Amazon.com.

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

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, May 9, 2009

2. North 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 2,175 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 13, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.