Near Williamsburg in James City County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Tobacco, The Money Crop

— Greensprings Interpretive Trail —

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, February 14, 2026

1. Tobacco, The Money Crop Marker

Inscription.
By 1614, John Rolfe had succeeded in developing a mild strain of tobacco that appealed to European tastes. As Virginia planters quickly discovered that tobacco was a readily marketable crop, they hastened to clear more land so that they could increase their profits. Meanwhile, the Virginia Company of London introduced the headright system, whereby people who paid for their own transportation to the colony (or that of another) were entitled to 50 acres of land. Through this means, successful planters could import workers while simultaneously increasing their landholdings. The introduction of Africans into Virginia in 1619, a severe labor shortage, and a reduction in the number of European servants culminated in the establishment of a plantation system that relied upon slave labor.

Erected by James City County Parks & Recreation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Agriculture • Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1614.

Location. 37° 14.691′ N, 76° 47.212′ W. Marker is near Williamsburg, Virginia, in James City

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County. It can be reached from Greenspring Trail east of Virginia Capital Trail, on the right when traveling east. The address given is the address for Jamestown High School, which includes the northern trailhead and parking area. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3751 John Tyler Highway, Williamsburg VA 23185, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Virginia’s Peninsula,

in Coastal Virginia,

and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Tidewater.

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 Agricultural Revolution (within shouting distance of this marker); Unique Tree (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Life on the Main

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, February 14, 2026

2. Tobacco, The Money Crop Marker

(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Headright System (about 600 feet away); Agriculture on the Mainland (about 700 feet away); Mainland Farm (about 700 feet away); The Battle of Green Spring (about 700 feet away); Abandoned Farm Equipment (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsburg.

Additional keywords. enslaved labor

Credits. This page was last revised on March 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 13, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.