Danville, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Moffett
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, November 7, 2024
1. Moffett Marker
Erected by the Womans Christian Temperance Union to the memory of Rev. John Robert Moffett, the first martyr to the temperance cause in this state.
He lived a hero and died a martyr
1858-1892
Erected 1893 by Womans Christian Temperance Union.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is September 11, 1892.
Location. 36° 35.992′ N, 79° 22.826′ W. Marker is in Danville, Virginia. It is at the intersection of North Main Street (Virginia Route 293) and Richmond Boulevard ( Route 360), on the right when traveling north on North Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1200 North Main Street, Danville VA 24540, 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. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Moffett Memorial Baptist Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 714 North Main Street (approx. 0.3 miles away); North Danville (approx. 0.4 miles away); The World's Largest Magic Wand (approx. 0.4 miles away); Frederick Delius (approx. 0.4 miles away); Historic Neapolis (approx. 0.4 miles away); Wreck of the Old 97 (approx. Ύ mile away); Riverside Cotton Mills (approx. Ύ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Danville.
Other markers no
this page online
More about this marker. The marker was included in the 1937 inventory of Virginia's historic resources, funded by the federal Works Progress Administration.
Regarding Moffett. The Rev. John Moffett was a Baptist preacher in Danville who operated a newspaper supportive of the legal prohibition of alcohol and campaigned for Prohibition Party political candidates. On November 11, 1892, Moffett was assassinated by a Democratic Party stalwart who was angered by Moffett's campaign rhetoric in the election held three days prior to the assassination. The congregation of Moffett's church renamed the church in his memory on December 5, 1892.
Also see . . . The Murder of John R. Moffett: Race, Politics, and Local Control. The UncommonWealth, Library of Virginia (Submitted on December 11, 2024.)
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, November 7, 2024
2. Moffett Marker
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, November 7, 2024
3. Moffett Marker
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, November 7, 2024
4. Historic Neapolis
The Marker is located in a traffic median near the northern boundary of historic Neapolis.
5. Moffett Marker Historic Inventory Report
Part of a 1937 WPA project to catalogue Virginia history
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, November 7, 2024
6. Moffett Memorial Baptist Church
Rev. Moffett was the minister at this church until his assassination, prompting the congregation to rename the church in his memory.
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, October 24, 2024
7. Rev. John R. Moffett's Grave
The Moffett Monument is inscribed with the phrase "He lived a hero and died a martyr" which is also inscribed on his grave monument in Danville's Leemont Cemetery.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 7, 2024, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. This page has been viewed 317 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 7, 2024, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. 5. submitted on December 7, 2024. 6. submitted on December 7, 2024, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. 7. submitted on December 14, 2024, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
