Chantilly in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
An 18th Century Enslaved Community at Sully
Sully Historic Site
— Cain's Branch Archaeological Trail —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 20, 2022
1. An 18th Century Enslaved Community at Sully Marker
Sully's preserved stories, buildings and landscapes give testament to the talent and work of the enslaved community who lived here 250 years ago. The 777-acre farm owned by Richard Bland Lee required many hands to be successful. From historic documents we know the names and roles of many who were owned by and served the Lee family. Their vital contributions as carpenters, blacksmiths, farmers, cooks, and laundresses were only some of the ways the enslaved workers supported Sully.
Who were the enslaved people?
Lee inherited 29 enslaved men, women, and children along with land in 1787. Learn more about their stories from tours, programs, and exhibits.
John, Manservant • George and Samuel, Blacksmiths • Juba and Patty, Laundresses • Harry, Carpenter • Thornton, Cook • Tom, Cart Driver • Henry, Wagoner
Prue, Davy, Eave, Ludwell, Nancy, and their families with many others lived and worked at Sully.
(captions)
An artist's rendition of Sully looking to the southwest.
Reenactors at Sully slave quarter cabin.
Erected 2022 by Fairfax County Park Authority
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Agriculture • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1787.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 54.482′ N, 77° 25.766′ W. Marker was in Chantilly, Virginia, in Fairfax County. Marker was on Historic Sully Way, 0.8 miles south of Air and Space Museum Parkway, on the right when traveling south. Located at the Sully Historic Place Visitor Center parking lot. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 3642 Historic Sully Way, Herndon VA 20171, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named An 18th Century Enslaved Community at Sully (here, next to this marker); Richard Bland Lee Served His Country (here, next to this marker); The Sully Farms (here, next to this marker); Old Barn and Other Farm Buildings (within shouting distance of this marker); Finding a Slave Quarter and an 18th Century Roadbed (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); "Loudoun Branch" of the Historic Manassas Gap Railroad (about 600 feet away);
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 20, 2022
2. An 18th Century Enslaved Community at Sully Marker
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. New Marker At This Location also titled "An 18th Century Enslaved Community at Sully"
Additional commentary.
1. About the markers
The Fairfax County Park Authority has erected this set of draft signs about the Archaeological significance of the park and are requesting feedback from park visitors and the local community.
— Submitted May 21, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 21, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 146 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 21, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
