Jamestown in James City County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

First Poles Arrive

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, July 20, 2013

1. First Poles Arrive Marker

Inscription. Skilled craftsmen of Polish origin recruited by the Virginia Company began arriving in Jamestown aboard the Mary and Margaret about 1 Oct. 1608. Poles contributed to the development of a glass factory and the production of potash, naval stores, and wood products. Soon samples of their work were shipped back to England. The workers were so highly prized that they were assigned apprentices so that their skill "shall not dye with them." Capt. John Smith praised their work ethic in his writings. Court records indicate that as a result of a labor dispute, Poles were granted full voting rights on 21 July 1619.

Erected 2011 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number W-100.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 21, 1619.

Location. 37° 13.769′ N, 76° 46.837′ W. Marker is in Jamestown, Virginia, in James City County. It is at the intersection of Jamestown Road (Virginia Route 31) and Greensprings Road

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( Route 614), on the right when traveling north on Jamestown Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Williamsburg VA 23185, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Virginia’s Peninsula,

in Coastal Virginia,

and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Tidewater,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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: Jamestown (a few steps from this marker); First Africans in English America (within shouting distance of this marker); First Africans In Jamestown (within shouting distance of this marker); First Germans at Jamestown (within shouting distance of this marker); Jamestown Road (within shouting distance

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, July 20, 2013

2. First Poles Arrive Marker

of this marker); Pocahontas (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Samuel H. Yonge, Civil Engineer (1843-1935) (about 300 feet away); Angelo (fl. 1619-1625) (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jamestown.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2013, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,089 times since then and 90 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 21, 2013, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.