Birchleaf in Dickenson County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Colley’s Cabin

Photographed By J. J. Prats, October 16, 2015

1. Colley’s Cabin Marker

Inscription. Near here stood the cabin of Richard “Fighting Dick” Colley who was one of the earliest settlers in what is now Dickenson County.

Erected 1970 by Virginia Historic Landmark Commission. (Marker Number XB-24.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: 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 1820.

Location. 37° 10.807′ N, 82° 16.429′ W. Marker is in Birchleaf, Virginia, in Dickenson County. Marker is on Sandlick Road (Virginia Route 80) just east of Crooked Branch Lick Creek Road (County Route 607), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Birchleaf VA 24220, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Indian and Settler Conflict (approx. 2.2 miles away); Dr. Tivis C. & Emma Sutherland (approx. 2.2 miles away); Buchanan County / Dickenson County (approx. 3 miles away); The Crooked Road (approx. 7.1 miles away); Mill Rock Point Overlook (approx. 7.2 miles away); Mill Rock Point (approx. 7.2 miles away); Formation Of The Breaks (approx. 7.4 miles away); Salt Kettle (approx. 7½ miles away).

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Geni.com Entry for Richard Colley. Scroll down for the essay. Excerpt: “Dick Colley was strong of limb, heart and temper. It took all that to conquer the wilderness. No one ever questioned his bravery, nor did anyone who ever felt the wallop of his bruising fist soon forget its crushing power. His hot temper, often unleashed and terrible, swung him from one personal encounter into another with his neighbors ... He was often wobbly with hard liquor, his heart and strength carried him through ... It seemed that he had more fights with John Fuller than any other man ... One day they met in the woods, and as usual got into a quarrel. John managed to get the first blow which knocked Dick almost unconscious. While Dick lay on the ground, John danced around him singing ... ‘Poor old Dick he died of late; Straightway he went to Heaven's gate. There he met the Devil with a club, And drove him back to Beezlebub!’ By the time John had finished his song Dick felt he could handle him, and got up and won the fight.” (Submitted on November 18, 2015.)

Photographed By J. J. Prats, October 16, 2015

2. Colley’s Cabin Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 18, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 914 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 18, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.