Near Richmond in Henrico County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Gabriel’s Insurrection

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, February 1, 2009

1. Gabriel’s Insurrection Marker

Inscription. Just to the north where Brook Road crosses Brook Run creek was the rendezvous point for the largest U.S. slave revolt ever planned. It was to be here on August 30, 1800, that Gabriel, a slave from nearby Brookfield Plantation, called for hundreds of followers from across Virginia to gather after slaying their masters for a march on Richmond. The plan called for killing the white population, capturing Governor James Monroe and seizing weapons at the state magazine.

The scheme collapsed when a severe storm flooded Brook Run and turned the roads to mud. The attack was postponed a day, but unknown to Gabriel, a local farmer was told of the conspiracy by two of his slaves just before the attack was to begin and notified the Governor. Gabriel and three dozen of his followers were captured and executed. The trials of those involved revealed widespread support for the conspiracy know to history as Gabriel’s Insurrection.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: African Americans. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #05 James Monroe series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1800.

Location. 37° 36.657′ N, 77° 27.522′ W. Marker is near Richmond, Virginia, in Henrico County. Marker can be reached from Brook Road (U.S. 1) 0.1 miles

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

west of Brook Road (U.S. 1), on the left when traveling north. This marker is located at the Confederate Fortifications site in the Brook Run shopping center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond VA 23227, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Fort Under Attack (here, next to this marker); Confederate Fortifications (a few steps from this marker); Stuart's Ride (within shouting distance of this marker); Richmond Defences (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Brook Road (about 500 feet away); Outer Fortifications (about 500 feet away); Campaign of 1781 (about 500 feet away); Emmanuel Church at Brook Hill Episcopal (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Marker is located with the Brook Hill Fortifications site image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, February 1, 2009

2. Marker is located with the Brook Hill Fortifications site

Brook Run at the Brook Road Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, February 1, 2009

3. Brook Run at the Brook Road Bridge

Gabriel's plans were thwarted by the rain swollen stream.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 8, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,335 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 8, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.