The history of Virginia’s tobacco industry is equal parts extensive and complicated. On the one hand, the crop helped fuel the state’s economy for several years, as hard-working individuals labored over its cultivation. John Rolfe himself began the tobacco industry in 1612, turning the “golden leaf” into the state’s most profitable crop. And on the other hand, the tobacco was grown by slaves who were subject to cruel conditions and were never compensated. And then, of course, there’s the matter of the health risks associated with the industry and its products. Nevertheless, this unique plant has played a major role over the course of Virginia’s history and these photographs provide us with an important insight.
- A tobacco exchange in Richmond, 1867
Wikicommons This photograph shows farmers selling tobacco leaves at the corner of Virginia and Cary Street.
- A farmer checks on his tobacco plants in Chatham, 1890.
Wikicommons Farming tobacco is a labor-intensive process that requires meticulous care.
- The sorting of tobacco, 1899
Wikicommons This photograph shows the sorting of the tobacco plant by African American women in a Richmond warehouse.
- Tobacco warehouse of Richmond, 1918
Wikicommons In this photograph, tobacco farmers from the surrounding areas have brought together the finest of their crops to sell at auction. These kinds of sales were often made very quickly, and paid on the spot in cash.
- David Dunlap Tobacco Factory in Petersburg, 1933
Wikicommons This historic tobacco factory in downtown Petersburg was constructed in 1887 by David Dunlap.
- The Tobacco Festival in downtown Richmond, 1953
Wikicommons Richmond held the National Tobacco Festival each year during the fall from 1948 - 1984. It was often held in conjunction with college football games of major rivalries, such as UVA and Virginia Tech.
- Tobacco Warehouse District in Danville, 1978
Wikicommons This National Historic District in Danville contains over 500 contributing buildings. In the early 20th century, Danville served as an especially important tobacco processing site.
- Tobacco Row in Richmond, 2005
Taber Andrew Bain/flickr Tobacco Row was once the location of tobacco warehouses and cigarette factories in downtown Richmond. Today, these spaces have been renovated and most are used as apartments and loft spaces.
- Tobacco plants in Clover, 2013
Wikipedia A glimpse into a contemporary tobacco field. By 2000, the number of acres of tobacco plants in Virginia had already decreased to nearly 1/6 of the original. Today, these numbers continue to decrease as farmers look towards other crops and farming methods to support their business.
What are your thoughts on the evolution of the Tobacco industry in Virginia? Feel free to share your thoughts with us!
Wikicommons
This photograph shows farmers selling tobacco leaves at the corner of Virginia and Cary Street.
Farming tobacco is a labor-intensive process that requires meticulous care.
This photograph shows the sorting of the tobacco plant by African American women in a Richmond warehouse.
In this photograph, tobacco farmers from the surrounding areas have brought together the finest of their crops to sell at auction. These kinds of sales were often made very quickly, and paid on the spot in cash.
This historic tobacco factory in downtown Petersburg was constructed in 1887 by David Dunlap.
Richmond held the National Tobacco Festival each year during the fall from 1948 - 1984. It was often held in conjunction with college football games of major rivalries, such as UVA and Virginia Tech.
This National Historic District in Danville contains over 500 contributing buildings. In the early 20th century, Danville served as an especially important tobacco processing site.
Taber Andrew Bain/flickr
Tobacco Row was once the location of tobacco warehouses and cigarette factories in downtown Richmond. Today, these spaces have been renovated and most are used as apartments and loft spaces.
Wikipedia
A glimpse into a contemporary tobacco field. By 2000, the number of acres of tobacco plants in Virginia had already decreased to nearly 1/6 of the original. Today, these numbers continue to decrease as farmers look towards other crops and farming methods to support their business.
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