Historical Significance After Nat Turner's rebellion in 1831, Virginia passed laws to prevent the religious gatherings of enslaved and free blacks without the supervision of white persons. In 1841, under the control of their white patrons, a group…

Historical Significance Fincastle Sterrett purchased what is now known as the Washington House in 1817. Sterrett was enslaved by William King, a merchant, and was later purchased from his estate by a relative of King's, Charles Carson. Carson,…

Historical Significance The Tavern, the oldest of Abingdon's historic buildings and one of the oldest buildings west of the Blue Ridge, was built in 1779 as a tavern and overnight inn for stage coach travelers. From 1858 to 1965, the Tavern remained…

Historical Significance The Heights, earlier known as Delectable Heights, received its name in the early 19th century when it was contrasted with the unhealthy lowlands of the city of Petersburg. It was annexed to the city in 1816, and although lots…

Historical Significance Started in 1853, the Stanton family cemetery in rural Buckingham County is one of the state's few surviving burying grounds established by free blacks before the Civil War and held by the same family to the present. The…

Historical Significance In 1640, five years after being freed from slavery himself, Anthony Johnson (born in Angola, Africa), acquired a black slave named John Casar (sometimes Casor or Gesorroro). In 1648, Johnson, who had come to the Eastern Shore…

Historical Significance During the second Battle of Bull Run, the Robinson House served as a shelter and hospital for wounded Union soldiers. The house belonged to James Robinson, an African American born free in 1799, who became a prosperous farmer…