Virginia Pottery After Colonization

between 1720-1745, the poor potter in Yorktown produced earthenware and stoneware for functional rather than decorative use
between 1720-1745, the "poor potter" in Yorktown produced earthenware and stoneware for functional rather than decorative use
Source: Smithsonian Institution, Bulletin - United States National Museum (1877)

Colonists brought pottery across the Atlantic Ocean, and discovered Native Americans making earthenware from local clay in Virginia.

The first manufacturing site intended to produce Virginia pottery for sale was established on Lots 51 and 55 at Yorktown. William Rogers's operation evolved between 1720-1745 into the largest commercial pottery during colonial times in what became the United States.1

By 1720, he was producing pottery at a complex that included two kilns and supporting work areas. A skilled work force crafted at least 23 types of earthenware and stoneware products including milk pans, bowls, bird bottles, mugs, colanders, porringers, churns and chafing dishes. In addition to marketing his wares locally, Rogers sold his goods in the Potomac River region, New England and the West Indies.

Governor Gooch was aware that the mercantilist economic policy in London was designed to limit manufacturing in the colonies, ensuring that business would be enhanced in Great Britain and colonists would depend upon manufactured goods transported across the Atlantic Ocean. In a 1732 report to London, the governor downplayed the significance of products from what he called a "poor potter." The language was designed to create the impression that manufacturing in Great Britain would not be affected by the development of a pottery business in Virginia:2

As to manufactures seet up, there is one poor Potters work for course earthen ware, which is of so little consequence, that I dare say there hath not been twenty shillings worth less of that comodity imported since it was sett up than there was before.

Clay in Virginia

Making Bricks in Virginia

Native Americans - The First Geologists in Virginia

Native American Pottery

Soapstone in Virginia

Links

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References

1. "The Poor Potter Site," Yorktown Battlefield, National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/york/learn/historyculture/the-poor-potter-site.htm; Norman F. Barka, "Archaeology of a Colonial Pottery Factory: The Kilns of Ceramics of the 'Poor Potter' of Yorktown," 2004, https://chipstone.org/article.php/134/Ceramics-in-America-2004/Archaeology-of-a-Colonial-Pottery-Factory:-The-Kilns-of-Ceramics-of-the-%E2%80%9CPoor-Potter%E2%80%9D-of-Yorktown (last checked August 26, 2026)
2. "The Poor Potter Site," Yorktown Battlefield, National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/york/learn/historyculture/the-poor-potter-site.htm

Rocks and Ridges - The Geology of Virginia
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