Reedville in Northumberland County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Reedville
Elijah W. Reed, a New England ship captain, established the town in 1874 after building a factory here to process menhaden, a small bony fish rich in oil. Reedville soon became the center of the industry and home port to the Atlantic menhaden fleet. By the early 20th century the town, which resembled a New England fishing village, reputedly had one of the highest per capita incomes in the country. Its historic district contains early fishermen’s houses and Victorian mansions. The oldest dwelling is the Walker House (1875).
Erected 1991 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number O-51.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Places • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.
Location. 37° 51.126′ N, 76° 16.5′ W. Marker is in Reedville, Virginia, in Northumberland County. Marker is on Northumberland Highway (U.S. 360) just east of Liberty Road (County Route 726), on the right. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Reedville VA 22539, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Elva C Tender Skiff (approx. half a mile away); George M. Butler Skiff (approx. half a mile away); George Pope Butler Skiff (approx. 0.6 miles away); Rowing Skiff (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Lillian-B (approx. 0.6 miles away); Chesapeake Bay Log Canoe (approx. 0.6 miles away); "The Save The Stack Committee" (approx. 0.6 miles away); Claud W. Somers (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Reedville.
Also see . . .
1. Reedville. Wikipedia entry:
“Captain Reed moved his business from Brooklin, Maine to the Northern Neck, and brought to the established community of watermen a method of extracting large quantities of oil from the fish by rendering them by the millions. Their oil was used as a lubricant and in lighting, as whale oil was, and the leftover bones and carcasses were valuable as fertilizer. He opened the first processing plant. By 1885, Reedville was heavily engaged in the menhaden fishing industry. Menhaden factories on Cockrell Creek produced fish oil, meal and fertilizer from menhaden. The menhaden fishing industry brought tremendous wealth to Reedville and to Northumberland County. Reedville, a town of approximately 500, was once known as the wealthiest town in the United States due to the large sums of money produced by the menhaden industry.” (Submitted on October 3, 2009.)
2. Reedville Fishermen’s Museum. Museum website homepage:
“The centerpiece of the exhibition is a 6'x8' diorama of the lower Northern Neck. It shows where Native Americans settled, how they lived and what their environment was like. It displays models of the boats involved, not only in Smith’s adventures, but also relating to the coast of Virginia. Surrounding this diorama are displays relating to the lifestyle of both the settlers and the native Americans. The wildlife and the vegetation of that period, as well as, the abundant sea life that awed Smith and his crew, are illustrated.” (Submitted on October 3, 2009.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 10, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 3, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,753 times since then and 77 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 3, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3. submitted on August 11, 2010, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 4. submitted on October 3, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 5, 6, 7. submitted on August 11, 2010, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photos of Walker House and other notable homes • Can you help?