The Slave Graveyard

The Slave Graveyard. . This graveyard marks the final resting place of many African-American slaves who toiled at Laurel Hill during its existence. Although, slaves may have been present on the property prior to 1824, the first official indication of their presence occurs in the Patrick County Personal Property Book when Archibald Stuart paid taxes on three tithable slaves, i.e. over the age of twelve years. Between 1825 and 1826, the number of tithable slaves on the Stuart property increased to nine. This increase most likely indicates the arrival of slaves employed in domestic work as well as agricultural laborers. During the next twenty years, the number of slaves at Laurel Hill rose steadily, reaching a high of sixteen slaves over the age of sixteen years by 1846. In 1847, the number had decreased to nine, and in 1848 the year following the destruction of the house by fire, it fell further to six. In 1852, Archibald Stuart paid taxes on five slaves over the age of sixteen years, and two between the age of twelve and sixteen years. By 1856 the year after the death of Archibald Stuart, Elizabeth Stuart paid taxes on eleven slaves over the age of twelve years. With the sale of the Laurel Hill property in 1859, the era of slavery at Laurel Hill came to a close. Sadly, little is known of the personal lives of the slaves who were such an integral part of the history of Laurel Hill, without whom this plantation could not have survived. To these men and women, and to their memory this cemetery is respectfully dedicated.