Background on the Pottery Industry in Strasburg
Strasburg, Virginia, boasts a rich history in pottery, earning it the nickname "Pot Town." Local clay proved ideal for crafting both earthenware and stoneware, and the town flourished as a pottery center. Brother Sirone, a Sabbatarian monk and master craftsman, arrived in Strasburg with a potter's wheel in 1761. The 1800s witnessed a "Golden Age" for Strasburg pottery, with numerous small potteries thriving. This era saw the rise of prominent potters like Philip Grim, Adam Keister, and the Bell brothers, who shaped the town's pottery legacy.
A defining moment arrived in 1891 with the construction of the Strasburg Steam Pottery, a testament to the industry's peak. This innovative facility, now the Strasburg Museum, employed steam power to expedite production. However, the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a decline in the industry due to factors like competition from mass-produced alternatives. By 1909, the last Strasburg pottery closed its doors.
Despite the industry's end, Strasburg's pottery heritage remains alive. The Strasburg Museum houses a collection of original Strasburg pottery, offering a glimpse into this significant chapter of the town's history. We hope you enjoy this "peek" in our pottery room and plan to visit us soon!
