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

Early Quakers in Richmond

By Bernard Fisher, June 26, 2010

1. Early Quakers in Richmond Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Near this site a meetinghouse was built in 1797 to 1798 by members of the Religious Society of Friends. Called Quakers, the earliest had arrived in Virginia from England in 1655. The building was the second house of worship in Richmond after St. John’s Church. Richmond Quakers advocated religious freedom, worked to make the prison system more humane and, as pacifists, usually refused to bear arms. They also joined with the Virginia Society of Friends to pressure the General Assembly for passage of the Manumission Act of 1782. Because they opposed slavery, many Quakers migrated west early in the 19th century.

Erected 2008 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number SA 46-a.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Churches & Religion • Peace • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Quakerism ⛪ series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1797.

Location. 37° 31.906′ N, 77° 25.558′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia

S 20th St & E Main St (facing south) image. Click for full size.

By Bernard Fisher, June 26, 2010

2. S 20th St & E Main St (facing south)

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. Marker is at the intersection of South 20th Street and East Main Street, on the right when traveling south on South 20th Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond VA 23223, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Oldest House (within shouting distance of this marker); Libby Prison (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Libby Prison CSA (about 400 feet away); Franklin Street Burying Grounds (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Libby Prison (about 500 feet away); Confederate General Hospital No. 12 (about 500 feet away); Francis Asbury (about 500 feet away); City of Richmond Bicentennial (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 30, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 931 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 26, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.