Colonial Beach in Westmoreland County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Artery of Commerce
Photographed by Patrick G. Jordan, August 3, 2010
1. Artery of Commerce Marker
In front of you is Popes Creek; beyond is the Potomac River. Every Potomac River plantation was an international port of call. A steady procession of ships graced the river, collecting hogsheads of tobacco for shipment to England and unloading both the necessities and niceties of colonial life.
The river not only linked the new world to the old, but linked the Potomac River plantations to one another. Regular interaction gave the Potomac River plantation families a strong collective identity distinct from that of the rest of tidewater Virginia.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 11.196′ N, 76° 54.938′ W. Marker was in Colonial Beach, Virginia, in Westmoreland County. It could be reached
this page online
Regionally, this marker was on Virginia’s Northern Neck. It was also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in the Tidewater, in the Chesapeake Bay Region, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 location: Connected by Commerce (within shouting distance of this marker); Constructing a Past (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); More than a Garden (about 400 feet away); Dairy (about 400 feet away); Significance of a Birthplace (about
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 19, 2023
2. Artery of Commerce Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. The Memorial Area (was about 500 feet away but has been permanently removed); Archeology at Popes Creek (was about 500 feet away but has been permanently removed); George Washingtons Birthplace (was about 600 feet away but has been permanently removed); Popes Creek Plantation (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed); The Historic Area (was approx. Ό mile away but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . . George Washington Birthplace National Monument. Website of the National Park Service. (Submitted on August 8, 2010, by Patrick G. Jordan of Graham, North Carolina.)
Additional keywords. Popes Creek Plantation, Augustine Washington, George Washington
Photographed by Patrick G. Jordan, August 3, 2010
3. Artery of Commerce Marker Overlooking Popes Creek
Photographed by Patrick G. Jordan, August 3, 2010
4. Artery of Commerce Marker and Popes Creek
Photographed by Patrick G. Jordan, August 3, 2010
5. The View From The Marker
Looking back toward the replica colonial house
Photographed by Patrick G. Jordan, August 3, 2010
6. George Washington Birthplace National Monument
Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2010, by Patrick G. Jordan of Graham, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 812 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 8, 2010, by Patrick G. Jordan of Graham, North Carolina. 2. submitted on April 28, 2023, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 8, 2010, by Patrick G. Jordan of Graham, North Carolina. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
