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

Early Quakers in Richmond

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, June 26, 2010

1. Early Quakers in Richmond Marker

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 • Peace • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Quakerism, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1797.

Location. 37° 31.906′ N, 77° 25.558′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in Shockoe Bottom. It is at the intersection of South 20th Street and East Main Street, on the right when traveling south

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on South 20th Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond VA 23223, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is 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: The Oldest House (within shouting distance of this marker); Edgar Allan Poe Pedestal (within shouting distance of this marker); I Can/t Breathe (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Libby Prison (about 400 feet away); Libby Prison CSA (about 400 feet away); The Florida Hospital of Richmond, Virginia (about 500 feet away); Franklin Street Burying Grounds (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Libby Prison (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

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

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, June 26, 2010

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

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,630 times since then and 92 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 26, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.