South Riding in Loudoun County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Village of Conklin
After the Civil War, newly emancipated African-Americans with the family names of Ashton, Allen, Newman, Harris, Peters, and Dean resided in the area that was later to be named Conklin, which was located a short distance from the current location of the Settle-Dean cabin.
The village was named after John R. and Mary Conklin who purchased 100 acres of land from one Horace Adee in 1871. Originally from Pennsylvania, the Conklins attempted to farm the land having filed on June 27, 1874 a Homestead Claim which permitted them to live on the land for 10 years exempt from seizure by creditors for any debts they may have owed. In 1890, the Conklins established a store which became the first post office in the village.
In 1872, the Conklin School was built for "colored children." This one-room structure was used until 1948. Prosperity Baptist Church was built in 1899 on land donated by Charles Dean and burned in 1951. The congregation met in the basement of the new church while the sanctuary was under construction. The larger church was completed in 1972 and stands to this day.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Communications
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Location. 38° 54.04′ N, 77° 31.399′ W. Marker is in South Riding, Virginia, in Loudoun County. Marker can be reached from Loudoun County Parkway (Virginia Route 606) just north of Braddock Road (Virginia Route 620), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 25925 Loudoun County Pkwy, Chantilly VA 20152, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Settle-Dean Cabin (a few steps from this marker); The Dean Family (a few steps from this marker); The Settle Family (a few steps from this marker); What is Foamhenge at Cox Farms? (approx. 2.1 miles away); Campaign of Second Manassas (approx. 2˝ miles away); Manassas Gap Railroad (approx. 3.8 miles away); Jennie Dean (approx. 3.9 miles away); Sudley Springs Ford (approx. 4.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in South Riding.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 9, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 215 times since then and 46 times this year. Last updated on December 27, 2023, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 9, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
