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

Gabriel's Rebellion

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, February 1, 2009

1. Gabriel's Rebellion Marker

Inscription. Gabriel, a slave of Thomas Prosser of nearby Brookfield plantation, planned a slave insurrection against Richmond on 30 Aug. 1800. The slaves intended to kidnap Governor James Monroe and compel him to support political, social, and economic equality but intense rains delayed the insurgents' scheme. Mosby Sheppard, of Meadow Farm, informed of the plot by family slaves Tom and Pharaoh, dispatched a warning letter to the governor. Monroe called out the militia and Gabriel, his plans foiled, fled to Norfolk. Authorities there captured and returned him to Richmond. Convicted of conspiracy, Gabriel was hanged on 10 Oct. 1800, the last of twenty-six conspirators executed.

Erected 1997 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number E-102.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #05 James Monroe, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is August 30, 1800.

Location. 37° 36.943′ N, 77° 27.421′ W. Marker is near Richmond, Virginia, in Henrico County. It is on Brook Turnpike (U.S. 1) 0.1 miles south of Hilliard Road, in the median. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond VA 23227, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Piedmont

and in Central Virginia.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Outer Fortifications (approx. 0.3 miles away); Campaign of 1781 (approx. 0.3 miles away); Richmond Defences (approx. 0.3 miles away); Brook Road (approx. 0.3 miles away); Confederate Fortifications (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Fort Under Attack (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Stuart's Ride (approx. 0.3 miles away); Gabriel’s Insurrection (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Stuart's Ride (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Also see . . .
1. Meadow Farm. "Mosby Sheppard, of Meadow Farm, informed of the plot by family slaves Tom and Pharaoh, dispatched a warning letter to the governor." (Submitted on February 4, 2009.)

2. Gabriel's Conspiracy 1799-1800. PBS – Africans in America (Submitted on November 22, 2009.)

Brook Turnpike (Route 1) facing north image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, February 1, 2009

2. Brook Turnpike (Route 1) facing north

Gabriel Prosser image. Click for full size.

3. Gabriel Prosser

Gabriel of Brookfield image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, November 1, 2025

4. Gabriel of Brookfield

Portrait of Gabriel painted in 2021 by Jerome W. Jones, Jr., based on descriptions of Gabriel. Gabriel stood 6'2, had scars on his face, and was missing his two front teeth. This portrait is displayed at Meadow Farm's community center.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 4, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,647 times since then and 159 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 4, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on November 22, 2009. 4. submitted on February 11, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Christopher Busta-Peck was the editor who published this page.