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

Pocahontas Island

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, September 20, 2015

1. Pocahontas Island Marker

Inscription. The town of Pocahontas, established in 1752, became part of Petersburg in 1784. By 1860, more members of the city’s large free African American community lived here than in any other neighborhood. Their work in tobacco factories and on wharves fueled the bustling Appomattox River trade. Residents likely used their access to the river to help enslaved blacks escape via the Underground Railroad. After the Civil War, Pocahontas attracted many emancipated African Americans. A tornado left widespread damage in 1993. The Jarratt House, ca. 1819, at 808-810 Logan Street, is the oldest standing structure. Archaeological evidence indicates Native American occupation of this area as early as 6500 BC.

Erected 2015 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number QA-35.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1752.

Location. 37° 14.194′ N, 77° 24.097′ W. Marker is in Petersburg, Virginia. Marker is at the intersection of Sapony Street and Pocahontas Street, on the left when traveling north on Sapony

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Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Petersburg VA 23803, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Charles Stewart (here, next to this marker); Pocahontas (within shouting distance of this marker); The Battle at the Bridge (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); South Side Station (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named South Side Station (approx. ¼ mile away); Bollingbrook Hotel (approx. ¼ mile away); The McIlwaine House (approx. ¼ mile away); Ladies Confederate Hospital (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Petersburg.

Also see . . . Pocahontas Island Historic District. National Register of Historic Places (Submitted on November 11, 2021.)

Pocahontas St & Sapony St image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, September 20, 2015

2. Pocahontas St & Sapony St

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 21, 2015, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 526 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 21, 2015, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.