Near Doswell in Caroline County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Meadow Farm
Birthplace of Secretariat
Photographed By Dawn Bowen, July 28, 2007
1. Meadow Farm - Birthplace of Secretariat Marker
Inscription.
Meadow Farm. Birthplace of Secretariat. This famous horsebreeding farm was established in 1936 by Christopher T. Chenery and continued under the management of his daughter, Helen “Penny” Chenery until 1979. Secretariat (1970–-1989), also known as “Big Red,” was born and trained here. A bright chestnut stallion with a white star and narrow stripe, he was a horse of uncommon excellence as he proved when he captured the Triple Crown in 1973. His win at the Belmont Stakes by 31 lengths won him the love and admiration of the nation. Other notable Thoroughbreds such as Riva Ridge, Hill Prince and First Landing also were raised at Meadow Farm.
This famous horsebreeding farm was established in 1936 by Christopher T. Chenery and continued under the management of his daughter, Helen “Penny” Chenery until 1979. Secretariat (1970–-1989), also known as “Big Red,” was born and trained here. A bright chestnut stallion with a white star and narrow stripe, he was a horse of uncommon excellence as he proved when he captured the Triple Crown in 1973. His win at the Belmont Stakes by 31 lengths won him the love and admiration of the nation. Other notable Thoroughbreds such as Riva Ridge, Hill Prince and First Landing also were raised at Meadow Farm.
Erected 1990 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number ND-10.)
Location. 37° 51.001′ N, 77° 25.185′ W. Marker is near Doswell, Virginia, in Caroline County. Marker is on Dawn Blvd. (Virginia Route 30) 1.8 miles east of Interstate 95, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 13111 Dawn Blvd, Doswell, VA 23047, Doswell VA 23047, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Also see . . . 1. Secretariat.com. A site for all things related to this great horse. (Submitted on July 29, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia.)
2. The Meadow Event Park. Home of the State Fair of Virginia. (Submitted on April 10, 2009.)
Additional commentary. 1. Meadow Farm transitions to The Meadow Event Park... Plans call for restoration of the foaling shed and several stall barns used by Secretariat, as well as a display paying homage to The Meadow’s equestrian history, and later a Museum of the Virginia Horse...At least it's not another shopping mall or McMansion pseudo-estate.
— Submitted April 10, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
Photographed By Dawn Bowen, July 28, 2007
2. Marker along Dawn Blvd. (SR 30)
Photographed By PaulwC3, March 30, 2013
3. The Meadow mansion
The former main house of the horse farm is now a center piece of the Meadow Event Park, the home of the State Fair of Virginia.
Photographed By PaulwC3, March 30, 2013
4. Meadow Farm yearling barn
This barn housed both Secretariat (in 1971) and Riva Ridge (in 1970). The stall on the farthest right traditionally housed the most promising colt.
Photographed By PaulwC3, March 30, 2013
5. Meadow Farm yearling barns
Photographed By Dawn Bowen, July 28, 2007
6. Barns and paddocks at Meadow Farm
Photographed By PaulwC3, March 30, 2013
7. Detail of The Meadow's main entrance
Photographed By PaulwC3, March 30, 2013
8. Penny Chenery during 2013 Secretariat Birthday Celebration at the Meadow
Chenery receiving from Virginia Delegate John Cox the House Joint Resolution No. 561 Commemorating the 40th anniversary of Secretariat's Triple Crown triumph
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, April 9, 2009
9. Meadow Farm Marker (painted over)
This photograph caught the marker in mid-rehabilitation. After the silver paint dries, a second visit is when the black paint is applied. —Ed.
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, April 9, 2009
10. Meadow Farm Marker (painted over) still standing
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, April 9, 2009
11. "The Meadow Event Park" under construction.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 13, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 29, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 13,780 times since then and 218 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on July 29, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 30, 2013, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. 6. submitted on July 29, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. 7, 8. submitted on March 30, 2013, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. 9, 10, 11. submitted on April 10, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.