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

The Dan River

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, August 16, 2024

1. The Dan River Marker

Inscription.
The 214-mile long Dan River receives water from tributaries within a 3,300 square mile region called the Dan River Basin. Throughout history, the waters of the Basin provided food and transportation for Native Americans such as the Saura, Sappony, and Occoneechee as well as European settlers who entered the region beginning in the 17th century. The Dan River moved tobacco shipments and supported the textile mills that fueled the growth of Danville. Today, the River is a source of recreation for thousands of visitors.

(caption)
The Dan River Basin
Map Provided By the Dan River Basin Association
www.danriver.org

Erected 2014 by City of Danville.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 36° 35.303′ N, 79° 23.381′ W. Marker is in Danville, Virginia. It can be reached from the intersection of Patton Street and Bridge Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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: Wynne's Falls (a few steps from this marker); Early Settlement of Danville

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(a few steps from this marker); Japan Tobacco International (within shouting distance of this marker); The World's Best Tobacco Market (within shouting distance of this marker); Dan River Inc. Mills (within shouting distance of this marker); Danville's Textile Industry (within shouting distance of this marker); Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Garden Club of Danville's Centennial (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. The Dan River Marker

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 193 times since then and 21 times this year. Last updated on April 29, 2026, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 28, 2024, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.