Reedville in Northumberland County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Reedville
By J. J. Prats, August 30, 2009
1. Reedville Marker
Erected 1991 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number O-51.)
Location. 37° 51.126′ N, 76° 16.5′ W. Marker is in Reedville, Virginia, in Northumberland County. Marker is on Northumberland Highway (U.S. 360) just east of Liberty Road (County Route 726), on the right. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Reedville VA 22539, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Julius Rosenwald High School (approx. 0.6 miles away); The War of 1812 / African Americans in the War of 1812 (approx. one mile away); Indian Prisoners Abandoned on Tangier Island (approx. one
By J. J. Prats, August 30, 2009
2. Reedville Marker
Also see . . .
1. Wikipedia entry for Reedville. “Captain Reed moved his business from Brooklin, Maine to the Northern Neck, and brought to the established community of watermen a method of extracting large quantities of oil from the fish by rendering them by the millions. Their oil was used as a lubricant and in lighting, as whale oil was, and the leftover bones and carcasses were valuable as fertilizer. He opened the first processing plant. By 1885, Reedville was heavily engaged in the menhaden fishing industry. Menhaden factories on Cockrell Creek produced fish oil, meal and fertilizer from menhaden. The menhaden fishing industry brought tremendous wealth to Reedville and to Northumberland County. Reedville, a town of approximately 500, was once known as the wealthiest town in
By Kevin W., August 11, 2010
3. Reedville Marker
2. Reedville Fishermen’s Museum. “The centerpiece of the exhibition is a 6'x8' diorama of the lower Northern Neck. It shows where Native Americans settled, how they lived and what their environment was like. It displays models of the boats involved, not only in Smith’s adventures, but also relating to the coast of Virginia. Surrounding this diorama are displays relating to the lifestyle of both the settlers and the native Americans. The wildlife and the vegetation of that period, as well as, the abundant sea life that awed Smith and his crew, are illustrated.” (Submitted on October 3, 2009.)
Categories. • Industry & Commerce • Notable Places • Waterways & Vessels •
By J. J. Prats, August 30, 2009
4. The Reed House, on Main Street in Reedville
By Kevin W., August 11, 2010
5. The Gables
Completed in 1914, it was home to Capt. Fisher, who was made rich by the turn-of-the century menhaden fishery. It's gabled roof is aligned to eight points on a compass.
By Kevin W., August 11, 2010
6. The Gables, from the water
Building the Gables took eight years because Capt. Fisher was a stickler for certain details, and would often tear down what was built. In this picture, you can see the different colors of brick used in construction.
By Kevin W., August 11, 2010
7. "The Stack"
A symbol of Reedville's rich menhaden fishing heritage is this 130 foot tall smoke stack built circa 1902 by the Morris - Fisher Company to provide steam to power its fish processing operations. The Stack has served as a navigational landmark for working watermen and boaters as well as a welcoming beacon to the historic town of Reedville and surrounding areas. The Stack is in danger of collapsing, but there is an effort underway to preserve it.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on October 3, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 831 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 3, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3. submitted on August 11, 2010, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 4. submitted on October 3, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 5, 6, 7. submitted on August 11, 2010, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photos of Walker House and other notable homes • Can you help?
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