Jamestown in James City County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
First Poles Arrive
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, July 20, 2013
1. First Poles Arrive Marker
Inscription.
First Poles Arrive. . Skilled craftsmen of Polish origin recruited by the Virginia Company began arriving in Jamestown aboard the Mary and Margaret about 1 Oct. 1608. Poles contributed to the development of a glass factory and the production of potash, naval stores, and wood products. Soon samples of their work were shipped back to England. The workers were so highly prized that they were assigned apprentices so that their skill "shall not dye with them." Capt. John Smith praised their work ethic in his writings. Court records indicate that as a result of a labor dispute, Poles were granted full voting rights on 21 July 1619.
Skilled craftsmen of Polish origin recruited by the Virginia Company began arriving in Jamestown aboard the Mary and Margaret about 1 Oct. 1608. Poles contributed to the development of a glass factory and the production of potash, naval stores, and wood products. Soon samples of their work were shipped back to England. The workers were so highly prized that they were assigned apprentices so that their skill "shall not dye with them." Capt. John Smith praised their work ethic in his writings. Court records indicate that as a result of a labor dispute, Poles were granted full voting rights on 21 July 1619.
Erected 2011 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number W-100.)
Location. 37° 13.769′ N, 76° 46.837′ W. Marker is in Jamestown, Virginia, in James City County. Marker is at the intersection of Jamestown Road (Virginia Route 31) and Greensprings Road (Virginia Route 614), on the right when traveling north on Jamestown Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Williamsburg VA 23185, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2013, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 567 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on July 21, 2013, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
