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. It can be reached from Brook Road (U.S. 1) 0.1 miles

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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.

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. 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); a different marker also named 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.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Stuart's Ride (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

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.

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 8, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,872 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 8, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 4. submitted on February 11, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.