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 • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • 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

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is in Petersburg, Virginia. It is at the intersection of Sapony Street and Pocahontas Street, on the left when traveling north on Sapony Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Petersburg VA 23803, 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 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: Charles Stewart (here, next to this marker); South Side Station (approx. 0.2 miles 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); Farmers Market (approx. ¼ mile away); 1864-1865: The Bombardment of Petersburg

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

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, September 20, 2015

2. Pocahontas St & Sapony St

(approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Petersburg.

Other markers no longer nearby. Pocahontas (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); The Battle at the Bridge (was about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing); a different marker also named South Side Station (was approx. ¼ mile away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

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

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 922 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 21, 2015, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.