Chesterfield in Chesterfield County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
William Ransom Johnson
1782-1849
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, March 18, 2010
1. William Ransom Johnson Marker
William Ransom Johnson lived near here at Oakland. Called the “Napoleon of the Turf,” he dominated American horseracing early in the 19th century. He trained more than 20 champions and achieved national fame from the 30 North-South match races held at Long Island’s Union Track, 1823–1834. The most famous, American Eclipse vs. Sir Henry in 1823, drew more than 60,000 spectators and was the nation’s first major sports event. After Johnson’s Henry lost two of three heats, several bettors lost fortunes. Johnson represented first Petersburg and then Chesterfield County in the Virginia legislature, 1818–1837. He died in Mobile, Alabama.
Erected 2007 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number M-60.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Entertainment • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1834.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 37° 19.266′ N, 77° 45.016′ W. Marker was in Chesterfield, Virginia,
this page online
Regionally, this marker was in the Piedmont, in Central Virginia, and in the Richmond Metropolitan Area. It was also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 6 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: Sale of Enslaved People at Oakland (here, next to this marker); William Ransom Johnson (1782-1849) (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Eppington (approx. 1.2 miles away); Clover Hill Mining District
via NCpedia, unknown
2. William Ransom Johnson
Another marker is no longer nearby. Eppington (was approx. 1.2 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Also see . . .
1. William Ransom Johnson. NCpedia website entry (Submitted on December 27, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. American Eclipse. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on December 27, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
3. American Eclipse Challenges Sir Henry. The International Museum of the Horse - The Horse in 19th Century American Sport, Intersectional Match Races (Submitted on March 21, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)
4. William Ransom Johnson: Napoleon of the Turf. Randon Thoughts on History website entry (Submitted on December 27, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, March 18, 2010
3. River Rd & Cedar Creek Road (facing west)
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, March 18, 2010
4. River Rd & Cedar Creek Road (facing east)
Photographed by Currier & Ives, 1880
5. American Eclipse
The celebrated racehorse and sire of racers. Foaled May 25th 1814, bred by Genl Nathaniel Coles of Dosoris, Queens Co. L.I. got by Doroc (son of the celebrated horse imp. Diomed, and Amanda, by Grey Diomed) out of Millers Damsel, by imp. Messenger. Winner of the great match against Henry for $20,000 a side, 4 mile heats over the Union Course, L.I. May 1823, taking the 2nd and 3rd heats, time 7:49 8:24
Credits. This page was last revised on October 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,496 times since then and 86 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 21, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 2. submitted on December 27, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 21, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
