Hopewell, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Captain John Smith’s Adventures on the James
In choosing the low-lying island of Jamestown, they defied the advice of the London Company: “You shall judge of good air by the people; for some part of that coast where the lands are low, have their people blear eyed, and with swollen bellies and legs; but if the naturals be strong and clean made, it is a true sign of wholesome soil.”
Capt. John Smith’s Trail
John Smith knew the James River by its Algonquian name: Powhatan, the same as the region’s paramount chief. Smith traveled the river many times between 1607 and 1609, trading with Virginia Indians to ensure survival at Jamestown. What he saw of Virginia’s verdant woodlands and pristine waters inspired him to explore the greater Chesapeake Bay, chronicling its natural wonders.
Yalta Conference on the James
During one week in February 1945, three of the most powerful men in the world convened
On board the vessel River Queen, anchored in the river before you, President Abraham Lincoln, Gens. Ulysses S, Grant and William T. Sherman, and Adm. David Porter met to discuss how the end of America's Civil War would be handled.
“Let them surrender and go home... Let them [the Confederate soldiers] all go, officers and all, let them have their horses to plow with, and, if you like, their guns to shoot crows with. Treat them liberally. We want these people to return to their allegiance and submit to the laws. Therefore, I say, give them the most liberal and honorable terms.” Abraham Lincoln, March 28, 1865.
On the waters in front of you, the groundwork for reconstruction began. However, without its visionary, who perished fewer than three weeks later, what seemed like such a promising strategy never reached its potential.
Erected by Captain John Smith’s Trail, James River Association, Virginia Department
Location. 37° 18.977′ N, 77° 16.391′ W. Marker is in Hopewell, Virginia. Marker can be reached from Water Street near Pecan Avenue. Click for map. This marker is located in the Old City Point Waterfront Park. Marker is in this post office area: Hopewell VA 23860, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Virginia Indians near City Point (here, next to this marker); Hurricane Isabel (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named City Point (within shouting distance of this marker); The Waterfront (within shouting distance of this marker); Quartermaster Repair Shops (within shouting distance of this marker); A Busy Port (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Taverns (about 600 feet away); Historic City Point (about 600 feet away). Click for a list of all markers in Hopewell.
More about this marker. On the left of the panel is a “Drawing by Marc Castelli E.W. Haile's book Where None Hath Stood Before. ©2006”
On the upper right is a map of Captain John Smith's Trail.
The sidebar depicts “The Peacemakers” by George P.A. Healy. Image courtesy of the White House Historical
Also see . . .
1. White House Historical Association. The Peacemakers. (Submitted on June 5, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Mechanicsville, Virginia.)
2. Captain John Smith's Trail. (Submitted on October 20, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Mechanicsville, Virginia.)
Categories. • Exploration • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil •
Credits. This page originally submitted on , by Bernard Fisher of Mechanicsville, Virginia. This page has been viewed 810 times since then and 3 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on , by Bernard Fisher of Mechanicsville, Virginia. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016.