Danville, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The World's Best Tobacco Market
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, October 31, 2024
1. The World's Best Tobacco Market Marker
Danville was known as the "World's Best Tobacco Market" due to the vast amount of tobacco that was stored in and sold through the City's tobacco warehouses since the 18th century. An estimated 85 billion pounds of tobacco were sold through Danville auctions. In 1859, Danville's tobacco marketeers created the "Danville System" of auctions which revolutionized the sale of loose leaf tobacco and introduced the fast-paced auctioneer's chant which is familiar today.
Erected 2014 by City of Danville.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.
Location. 36° 35.303′ N, 79° 23.408′ 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
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Japan Tobacco International (a few steps from this marker); Danville's Textile Industry (a few steps from this marker); Early Settlement of Danville (within shouting distance of this marker); The Dan River (within shouting distance of this marker); Wynne's Falls (within shouting distance of this marker); The Wreck of Old 97 (within shouting distance of this marker); Dan River Inc. Mills (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Danville Riot/Danville Massacre, 1883 (about 400 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 World's Best Tobacco Market Marker
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, December 10, 2024
3. Tobacco Auctions
The well-attended tobacco auctions, utilizing the "Danville System", were an important part of Danville's branding as the "World's Best Tobacco Market", as shown in these portraits currently on display the Danville Mall.
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, November 14, 2024
4. Tobacco Auctions
Danville was well-known for its tobacco auctions, and even hosted the World Tobacco Auctioneering Championship for more than a decade. Historic posters, such as this one, are displayed by Danville Parks & Recreation in the City Auditorium.
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, December 10, 2024
5. World's Best Tobacco Market
The slogan "World's Best Tobacco Market" was commonly used as part of Danville's branding, as can be seen in this portrait currently on display in the Danville Mall.
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, December 31, 2024
6. World's Best Tobacco Market
The slogan "World's Best Tobacco Market" was once so commonly associated with Danville, that even the call sign of the local radio station, WBTM, reflects that moniker.
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 501 times since then and 101 times this year. Last updated on April 29, 2026, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 28, 2024, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. 6. submitted on December 31, 2024, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
