Courtland in Southampton County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Blackhead Signpost Road
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, May 25, 2023
1. Blackhead Signpost Road Marker
Inscription.
Blackhead Signpost Road. . In Aug. 1831, following the revolt led by enslaved preacher Nat Turner, white residents and militias retaliated by murdering an indeterminable number of African Americans, some involved in the revolt, some not, in Southampton County and elsewhere. At this intersection, where Turner's force had turned toward Jerusalem (now Courtland), the severed head of a black man was displayed on a post and left to decay to terrorize others and deter future uprisings against slavery. The beheaded man may have been Alfred, an enslaved blacksmith who, though not implicated in any revolt killings, was slain by militia near here. The name of this road was changed from Blackhead Signpost to Signpost in 2021.
In Aug. 1831, following the revolt led by enslaved preacher Nat Turner, white residents and militias retaliated by murdering an indeterminable number of African Americans—some involved in the revolt, some not—in Southampton County and elsewhere. At this intersection, where Turner's force had turned toward Jerusalem (now Courtland), the severed head of a black man was displayed on a post and left to decay to terrorize others and deter future uprisings against slavery. The beheaded man may have been Alfred, an enslaved blacksmith who, though not implicated in any revolt killings, was slain by militia near here. The name of this road was changed from Blackhead Signpost to Signpost in 2021.
Erected 2021 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number U-29.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights. A significant historical year for this entry is 1831.
Location. 36° 41.129′ N, 77° 6.958′ W. Marker is in Courtland, Virginia, in Southampton County. Marker is at the intersection of Meherrin Road (Virginia Route 35) and Signpost Road (Virginia Route 658), on the right when traveling north on Meherrin Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Courtland VA 23837, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 673 times since then and 239 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on May 26, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
