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.)

Location. 37° 32.23′ N, 77° 25.665′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. Marker is on Broad Street (U.S. 250) 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 along E Broad Street image. Click for full size.

By Dawn Bowen, July 28, 2007

2. Marker along E Broad Street

marker); Richmond’s African Burial Ground (within shouting distance of this marker); Lumpkin's Jail (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 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); The Virginia Convention of 1788 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Memorial Terrace (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

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Credits. This page was last revised on December 27, 2019. This page originally submitted on July 29, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,117 times since then and 5 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.