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

Readjuster Party

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, May 20, 2023

1. Readjuster Party Marker

Inscription. The Readjuster Party, a biracial coalition led by former Confederate general William Mahone, won control of the Virginia General Assembly in 1879. The party's main objective, accomplished in 1882, was to refinance the state's massive antebellum debt and increase funding for public education. The Readjusters also abolished the poll tax, eliminated whipping as a punishment for crime, and established what is now Virginia State University. African American support for the party, cemented at a convention held across the street from here in 1881, was crucial to its success. The Readjusters lost the General Assembly in 1883 after Democrats campaigned on white fears of African American power.

Erected 2021 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number QA-43.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1879.

Location. 37° 13.896′ N, 77° 24.395′ W. Marker is in Petersburg, Virginia. It is at the intersection of West Bank Street and Bartow Alley, on the left when traveling west on West Bank Street. Touch for map.

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Marker is at or near this postal address: 120 W Bank St, Petersburg VA 23803, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Virginia.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in 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 of this marker: Exchange Building (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Golden Ball Tavern (about 400 feet away); Corling's Corner (about 500 feet away); Elizabeth Keckley (about 600 feet away); Major Peter Jones (about 600 feet away); Peter Jones Trading Station (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Peter Jones Trading Station (about 600 feet away); Tavern Park (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Petersburg.

Other markers no longer nearby. Petersburg’s Role In Trade

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, May 20, 2023

2. Readjuster Party Marker

(was about 600 feet away but has been confirmed missing); Rock Garden (was about 600 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . . The Readjuster Party. (Submitted on May 26, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 819 times since then and 112 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 26, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.