Chantilly in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

An 18th Century Enslaved Community at Sully

Sully Historic Site, Built 1794

Photographed by Mike McKeown

1. An 18th Century Enslaved Community at Sully Marker

Inscription. 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.

the enslaved people?
When Lee inherited the property in 1787, it included 29 enslaved men, women and children. Most were of African descent and many families had been enslaved for generations. 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 under the conditions of 18th century slavery.

(captions)
An artist's rendition of Sully looking to the southwest.
Reenactors at Sully slave quarter cabin.

Erected 2022 by Fairfax

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County Park Authority.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Agriculture • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1787.

Location. 38° 54.481′ N, 77° 25.765′ W. Marker is in Chantilly, Virginia, in Fairfax County. It is 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 is at or near this postal address: 3642 Historic Sully Way, Herndon VA 20171, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area

and in Northern Virginia.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

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: 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); Heirloom Garden (about 600 feet away); Robert Edward Wagstaff (about 600 feet away); Sully (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chantilly.

Another marker is no longer nearby. An 18th Century Enslaved Community at Sully (has been replaced with this marker).

Related marker.

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Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Old Marker At This Location also titled "An 18th Century Enslaved Community at Sully"

Also see . . . Sully Historic Site. Fairfax County (Submitted on July 23, 2023.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 23, 2023, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 527 times since then and 31 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on July 23, 2023, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wide shot of marker and its surroundings. • Can you help?