Shockoe Slip in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Tobacco District

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, November 8, 2009

1. Tobacco District Marker

Inscription. “Tobacco is in almost everyone’s mouth either for mastication, fumigation, inhalation, or discussion.” Samuel Mordecai, 1860

“In south Richmond…even the baloney sandwiches and measles epidemics always wore a faint odor of cure tobacco.” Tom Robbins, Novelist, 1976

From colonial times through World War II, Richmond was a center for tobacco inspection and processing. By the mid-19th century, the city had become the largest tobacco producer in the world, with more than 50 factories, including chewing tobacco and cigar manufacturers, box makers, and label printers.

Erected by Richmond Riverfront Canal Walk.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1860.

Location. 37° 32.027′ N, 77° 26.011′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in Shockoe Slip. Marker is on Virginia Street, 0.1 miles south of East Canal Street, on the right when traveling south. This marker is on the Richmond Riverfront Canal Walk. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond VA 23219, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Canal Walk / Historic Canals (a few steps from this marker); Atlantic Sturgeon (within shouting distance

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of this marker); James River & Kanawha Canal (within shouting distance of this marker); George Washington’s Vision (within shouting distance of this marker); Burnt District (within shouting distance of this marker); New Turning Basin (within shouting distance of this marker); James River Bateaumen (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Use of Arms (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Also see . . .
1. Richmond Riverfront Canal Walk. Venture Richmond (Submitted on November 9, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)

2. Shockoe Valley and Tobacco Row Historic District. National Register of Historic Places (Submitted on November 9, 2009.)

Tobacco District Marker on Virginia Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, November 8, 2009

2. Tobacco District Marker on Virginia Street

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 9, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 914 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 9, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.