Marion in Smyth County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

R.T. Greer & Company

1904 – 1968

— Marion History Walk —

R.T. Greer & Company Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 22, 2022

1. R.T. Greer & Company Marker

Inscription. At one time, the company was the world's largest dealer in herbs and “natural crude medicines” and in providing jobs for mountain people. Located at 107 Pendleton Street in the heart of Marion's historic downtown district, the building is listed on the Virginia and national historic registers.

Erected by Marion Main Street.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1904.

Location. 36° 50.021′ N, 81° 31.069′ W. Marker is in Marion, Virginia, in Smyth County. Marker is on East Main Street (U.S. 11) east of South Chestnut Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 212 E Main St, Marion VA 24354, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Nolan Ryan and the Marion Mets (a few steps from this marker); Marion & Rye Valley Railroad (within shouting distance of this marker); Annabel Morris Buchanan (within shouting distance of this marker); Hungry Mother State Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Governor David Campbell (within shouting distance of this marker); Marion College (within shouting distance of this

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marker); Home of Mountain Dew (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lincoln Theatre (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marion.

Regarding R.T. Greer & Company. Excerpt from the National Register of Historic Places nomination for the former company's warehouse in Marion:

Riley Thomas Greer, George W. Greer and F. P. McGuire came to Marion, Virginia from Watauga County, North Carolina, in 1904. They started a unique business on the south side of Main Street between Pendleton and Commerce Streets. This business developed into the largest of its kind in Applacahia: The R. T. Greer Crude Drug Company, dealers in roots and herbs. They selected Marion because it was a good shipping point in the center of an area which at that time produced more natural medicinal herbs than any other area of its size in America.

… This firm sold herbs to Eli Lilly, Parke-Davis, Wilcox, McKesson, Robbins, Rexall and other noted pharmaceutical firms. They bought sassafras for Uncle Charlie Hiers Root Beer, and provided the basis for Lydia Pinkham's natural tonic for women. They also shipped herbs to China, particularly Ginseng or 'sang'
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 22, 2022

2. R.T. Greer & Company Marker
as the locals call it.

Also see . . . Greer, R. T., and Company (PDF). National Register of Historic Places nomination for the company's 1916 building in Marion, which was listed in 1997. (National Archives) (Submitted on November 8, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 8, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 151 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 8, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.