Historical Markers StoppingPoints.com Historical Markers, Sightseeing & Points of Interest Scenic Roads & Points of Interest
About Us | Photo Gallery | Free Widgets | Featured States | Search Site
Register or Edit LoginRegister
Home Virginia Henrico County First Successful Colonial Tobacco Crop

First Successful Colonial Tobacco Crop

New Market Rd, VA , USA

Latitude & Longitude: 37° 27' 12.662496", -77° 22' 10.659288"
  Virginia VA State Historical Marker
Virginia State
Historical Marker

 
In 1611 John Rolfe became the first Englishman to cultivate tobacco nearby at Varina Farm, on the James River. Rolfe planted seeds bred in Varinas, Spain, and experimented with curing methods to produce a tobacco milder than the native variety. The success of tobacco as a cash crop encouraged the Virginia Company of London and renewed the spirit of confidence among the colonists. It supported a wealthy planter class and enriched shippers and merchants. Tobacco thereby contributed to the economic security and survival of the Virginia colony, and thus the nation.

Last updated: 2/14/2015 15:17:00
 
   
 
 
First Successful Colonial Tobacco Crop Virginia Map