Pocahontas Island, Virginia Has Lost Its Mayor

Richard Stewart (Source: WTVR)

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Richard Stewart. Known locally as the honorary “Mayor of Pocahontas Island,” Stewart was born, raised and lived most of his life in Petersburg, Virginia. He was a tireless advocate for the small historic Black community of Pocahontas Island and its rich history that went back to the 17th century.

Stewart turned his home into a museum and filled it with items that he had discovered and that were donated by his neighbors and others in the community. Every room was filled to brim, even his bathrooms. He had a story about every item.

I met Mr. Stewart while researching my first book on the history and memory of the battle of the Crater, which was fought outside of Petersburg, Virginia on July 30, 1864. I was interested in the local African American community’s connection to the history of the battle and the battlefield given the presence of an entire division of United States Colored Troops and the many stories of their massacre by Confederates. After interviewing Mayor Rosalyn Dance she recommended that I pay a visit to Stewart.

Mr. Stewart welcomed me into his home and spent hours talking about his personal story as well as his vision for the museum. I had never met anyone quite like him. For Stewart, history wasn’t just simply an accounting of a dead past, but a means to maintaining what was left of his community on Pocahontas Island as well a reminder of the Black community’s many struggles and accomplishments in the Petersburg area.

For Stewart, history is the glue that holds a community together and gives it direction.

I was disappointed, but not surprised to hear that throughout much of the twentieth century the local Black community had very little connection to the history of the battlefield. This was confirmed by Mayor Dance, Mr. Stewart, and others that I interviewed. In fact, Stewart told me that the battlefield was always considered to be part of the white neighborhood, especially during the era of segregation.

Talking to him about the disconnect between the Black community and the battlefield drove home the importance of his personal crusade to educate and highlight local Black history for the benefit of his neighbors.

Please take a minute to watch this short interview with Mr. Stewart. It beautifully captures his passion for the past and love for his community.

I do hope steps are taken to preserve as much of Mr. Stewart’s collection—essentially his life’s work—as possible.

My thoughts today are with Mr. Stewart’s family and friends.

Rest in Peace.

Thank you.