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

Early Settlement of Danville

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, August 16, 2024

1. Early Settlement of Danville Marker

Inscription. The Danville region was first identified by Europeans in 1728 when William Byrd, who was on an expedition to mark the boundaries between Virginia and North Carolina, came to the area. Byrd camped near a river which he called the "Dan," historians believe, after the Biblical reference "From Dan to Beersheeba" meaning a land of plenty. The area was settled in the mid-18th century and soon grew up around a ferry and tobacco inspection station. In 1830, Danville had grown to such an extent that it received its charter to become an official town.

Erected 2014 by City of Danville.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Exploration • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1728.

Location. 36° 35.302′ N, 79° 23.39′ W. Marker is in Danville, Virginia. It can be reached from the intersection of Main Street (Virginia Route 293) and Bridge Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 111 Main Street, Danville VA 24541, 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: The Dan River (a few steps from this marker); Japan Tobacco International (a few steps from this marker); The World's Best Tobacco Market

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Wynne's Falls (within shouting distance of this marker); Danville's Textile Industry (within shouting distance of this marker); Dan River Inc. Mills (within shouting distance of this marker); The Wreck of Old 97 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Danville.

More about this marker. This Marker is one of six historic markers installed within Main Street Plaza in 2014.

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, December 9, 2024

2. Early Settlement of Danville Marker

Town of Danville image. Click for full size.

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, December 26, 2024

3. Town of Danville

Danville received its first Town Charter in 1830, a date which is preserved on the City Flag.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 28, 2024, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. This page has been viewed 252 times since then and 26 times this year. Last updated on April 29, 2026, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 28, 2024, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.