Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Execution of Gabriel

By Dawn Bowen, July 28, 2007

1. Execution of Gabriel Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Near here is the early site of the Richmond gallows and “Burial Ground for Negroes.” On 10 Oct. 1800, Gabriel, an enslaved blacksmith from Brookfield plantation in Henrico County, was executed there for attempting to lead a mass uprising against slavery on 30 Aug. 1800. A fierce rainstorm delayed the insurrection, which then was betrayed by two slaves. Gabriel escaped and eluded capture until 23 Sept., when he was arrested in Norfolk. He was returned to Richmond on 27 Sept. and incarcerated in the Virginia State Penitentiary. On 6 Oct. he stood trial and was condemned. At least 25 of his supporters were also put to death there or in other jurisdictions.

Erected 2004 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number SA-66.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Heroes • Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is August 30, 1800.

Location. 37° 32.23′ N, 77° 25.665′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. Marker is on Broad Street (U.S. 250)

Marker along E Broad Street image. Click for full size.

By Dawn Bowen, July 28, 2007

2. Marker along E Broad Street

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0 miles east of Interstate 95, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond VA 23219, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old Negro Burial Ground (a few steps from this marker); Richmond’s African Burial Ground (within shouting distance of this marker); Lumpkin's Jail (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Lumpkins Jail (about 400 feet away); The Slave Trade In Richmond (about 400 feet away); First African Baptist Church (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named First African Baptist Church (about 700 feet away); Monumental Church (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Also see . . .
1. "The Defenders...'" Gabriel Marker Project. (Submitted on January 7, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
2. Gabriel "Prosser". Virginia Governor Thomas Kaine recognizes that Gabriel's cause "has prevailed in the light of history" and posthumously pardons him and his co-conspirators, August 30, 2007. (Submitted on January 7, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)

Additional keywords. Gabriel's Rebellion, Slave Revolt, Conspiracy

Credits. This page was last revised on July 30, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 29, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,394 times since then and 95 times this year. Last updated on January 7, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 29, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.