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

The Agricultural Revolution

— Greensprings Interpretive Trail —

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, February 14, 2026

1. The Agricultural Revolution Marker

Inscription. By the early nineteenth century, farmers in Tidewater Virginia found themselves in dire straits. Soil became acidified by the long-term production of tobacco, greatly reducing agricultural productivity. However, economic conditions began to improve when it was discovered that lime and marl could be used to restore the fertility of soil. In 1842, Edmund Ruffin reported that land values in the Tidewater had risen significantly and that advances in agricultural technology (such as improved equipment to till the soil) also substantially enhanced productivity. Prior to 1817, most farmers used primitive one-horse plows, which rarely penetrated the soil more than three inches.

Erected by James City County Parks & Recreation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Agriculture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1842.

Location. 37° 14.692′ N, 76° 47.183′ W. Marker is near Williamsburg, Virginia, in James City County. It can be reached from John Tyler Highway (Virginia Route 5) east of Greensprings Road, on the right when traveling east. Marker is on the Greensprings Interpretive Trail. The address

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

given is 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: Unique Tree (within shouting distance of this marker); Tobacco, The Money Crop (within shouting distance of this marker); The Headright System (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Early Life on the Main (about 500 feet away); Forebay Drainage Basins

Paid Advertisement

(about 800 feet away); Fallen Tree (approx. 0.2 miles away); Agriculture on the Mainland (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mainland Farm (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsburg.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on March 13, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.