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

Watering Fountain

Photographed By Cynthia L. Clark, May 10, 2017

1. Watering Fountain Marker

Inscription. Restored in 2007 by the Nansemond River Garden Club, this circa late 19th century fountain was utilitarian. Originally it was fed by a shallow well. Water was drawn by a foot pump and rainwater helped fill the basin. The fountain was used to water plants and the work animals that drew the hearses or carried the gravediggers and their equipment to the burial area. During restoration a shallow pond was discovered un the fountain basin; it likely was the original source for people to access collected rainwater. The surrounding area holds early unmarked graves.

Erected by Nansemond River Garden Club.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical year for this entry is 2007.

Location. 36° 44.1′ N, 76° 34.77′ W. Marker is in Suffolk, Virginia. Marker can be reached from Mahan Street, on the left when traveling west. The marker stands in the south section of Cedar Hill Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Suffolk VA 23434, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Siege of Suffolk (within shouting distance of this marker); Confederate Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Remembrance Garden Monuments (within shouting distance of this marker); Civil War Militia of Suffolk and Nansemond County

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(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Spanish War Veterans Memorial (about 400 feet away); World War I Monument (about 500 feet away); World War II Memorial (about 600 feet away); Korea and Vietnam Wars Memorial (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Suffolk.

Regarding Watering Fountain. The inscription on this marker is illegible, particularly for a camera. But it can be read when the naked eye is positioned within inches of the glass and by fingertips on Braille. This fountain is mentioned in documents filed with the National Register of Historic Places and Virginia Landmarks Register. It is also listed on the Cedar Hill Cemetery marker.

Also see . . .
1. Cedar Hill Cemetery website. (Submitted on June 14, 2017, by Cynthia L. Clark of Suffolk, Virginia.)
2. A Cedar Hill Cemetery brochure. (Submitted on June 14, 2017, by Cynthia L. Clark of Suffolk, Virginia.)
3. Virginia Landmarks Register listing for the City of Suffolk. (Submitted on June 14, 2017, by Cynthia L. Clark of Suffolk, Virginia.)

The Watering Fountain, facing east. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cynthia L. Clark, May 10, 2017

2. The Watering Fountain, facing east.

Pictured left is the well water pump.

A north view of the Watering Fountain’s site. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cynthia L. Clark, May 10, 2017

3. A north view of the Watering Fountain’s site.

The fountain is in the area of unmarked graves.

A southward view. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cynthia L. Clark, May 10, 2017

4. A southward view.

Pictured in the far background (right) is the Civil War Militia of Suffolk and Nansemond County Monument.

This view is looking west. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cynthia L. Clark, May 10, 2017

5. This view is looking west.

A close-up of the well water pump. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cynthia L. Clark, May 10, 2017

6. A close-up of the well water pump.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 14, 2017, by Cynthia L. Clark of Suffolk, Virginia. This page has been viewed 330 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 14, 2017, by Cynthia L. Clark of Suffolk, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.