Marion in Smyth County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

James White Sheffey

1813 - 1876

— Marion History Walk —

James White Sheffey Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 2, 2026

1. James White Sheffey Marker

Inscription. On January 14th, 1861, the General Assembly of Virginia called for the election of representatives to a "Secession Convention" to determine the fate of Virginia in the North-South conflict. In Smyth County, James White Sheffey was the elected representative to the state convention and, although personally opposed to secession, he was compelled to vote for it.

Erected by Main Street Marion.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is January 14, 1861.

Location. 36° 49.938′ N, 81° 31.249′ W. Marker is in Marion, Virginia, in Smyth County. It is on West Main Street west of South Park Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Marion VA 24354, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Virginia

and in the Blue Ridge Highlands.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

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: Sherwood Anderson (a few steps from this marker); Royal Oak Presbyterian Church (a few steps from this marker); Marion Municipal Building (within shouting distance of this marker); D.C. Miller Law Office (within shouting distance of this marker); You Are Not Forgotten (within shouting distance of this marker); Smyth County War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Smyth County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Smyth County Revolutionary War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marion.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 2, 2026

2. James White Sheffey Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 7, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 7, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.