Williamsburg in James City County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Jackson Home
Freedom Park
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, June 21, 2023
1. Jackson Home Marker
By 1805, William Ludwell Lee's executor had begun constructing cabins for Lee's former slaves, who were allowed to live on "the Hotwaters" for ten years, rent-free. One type of house was made using long timber construction and a wooden chimney. This very modest dwelling was typical for slaves, free Blacks, and poor whites. Such cabins might last only 20 years before falling into disrepair, leaving behind very little archaeological evidence.
This house represents the home occupied by John Jackson, a former Lee slave, and his wife, Nancy. The Jacksons had two children. The household furnishings in this dwelling reflect the meager circumstances of newly freed slaves. John Jackson eventually purchased and developed his own property. His descendants still live in the area.
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Image from Strother, D.H., One of the Best Draughtsmen the Country Possesses. West Virginia University
Photo by Frances Benjamin Johnson. Library of Congress
Erected by Freedom Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1805.
Location. 37° 19.083′ N,
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Regionally, this marker is on Virginia’s Peninsula, in Coastal Virginia, and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Tidewater. 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: Free Black Settlement (within shouting distance of this marker); Brown Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Lightfoot Home (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Welcome to Freedom Park (about 500 feet away); Engagement at Spencer's Ordinary (about 600 feet away); Welcome to the Hot Water Tract (about 600 feet away); Archaeological Analysis of Hot Water Tract (approx. 0.2 miles away); Timeline of the Hot Water Tract (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsburg.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Early Settlement and Cemetery (was about 600 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, June 21, 2023
2. Jackson Home Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 17, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 393 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 22, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
