Port Royal in Caroline County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Dorothy Roy
One of America's Earliest Business Women
Photographed by Kevin W., July 11, 2012
1. Dorothy Roy Marker
After John Roy's death in 1734, Dorothy Roy became the first woman in Virginia to own a chartered tobacco warehouse. She also obtained a license to operate a ferry across the Rappahannockanother first for a Virginia womanand she even became the owner of a tavern.
Dorothy Roy was soon recognized as the doyenne of the thriving commercial hub of Port Royal and was widely sought for business advice. She died in 1746, two years after the town of Port Royal, which had grown up around the Roy tobacco warehouse, was chartered. The two large chimneys on the west side of Route 301 are all that remain of Dorothy Roy's residence.
Erected by Historic Port Royal with funding made possible through the sponsorship of the Washington-Lewis
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Women. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1719.
Location. 38° 10.311′ N, 77° 11.443′ W. Marker is in Port Royal, Virginia, in Caroline County. It is at the intersection of Water Street and Main Street (U.S. 301), on the left when traveling west on Water Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Port Royal VA 22535, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Piedmont and 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 Fox Tavern: A Colonial Landmark (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Peter's Church (about 500 feet away); Port Royal (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Port Royal (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Port Royal (about 500 feet away); Port Royal Harbor (about 600 feet away); The Earliest Inhabitants: Native Americans (about 700 feet away); The Sacred Lot (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Royal.
Photographed by Kevin W., July 11, 2012
2. Dorothy Roy Marker
Photographed by Kevin W., July 11, 2012
3. Dorothy Roy Marker
Photographed by Kevin W., July 11, 2012
4. Marker at Roy Chimneys
Port Royal was first settled in 1652 and was chartered in 1744.
Tradition says that Port Royal was named after the Roy Family.
John and Dorothy Roy owned a warehouse chartered by the crown, a ferry service and a tavern.
Dorothy Roy was the first woman entrepreneur in the colonies.
These chimneys are all that remain of the Roy home.
Tradition says that Port Royal was named after the Roy Family.
John and Dorothy Roy owned a warehouse chartered by the crown, a ferry service and a tavern.
Dorothy Roy was the first woman entrepreneur in the colonies.
These chimneys are all that remain of the Roy home.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 26, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2012, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,653 times since then and 179 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 15, 2012, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
