Middletown in Frederick County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Enslaved Quarter Site
Most enslaved people at Belle Grove lived in the field you see before you. Archaeologists surveyed and excavated this site from 2015 through 2019. Their goal was to learn about enslaved life at the plantation.
Unfortunately, no photographs, maps, or accurate drawings exist of the quarter site. While research is ongoing, this illustration is a partial reconstruction of the site as it may have appeared in the early 1800s.
(Captions):
(1) Swept Yard
Enslaved women swept the area around their homes to create yards for their families. The lack of grass made it easy to pick up dropped items.
(2) Cabins
Archaeologists found that there were at least five log cabins in the enslaved quarter site. As many as 13 people lived in each home.
(3) Fire Pits
Enslaved people occasionally cooked and socialized around two fire pits behind the cabins. This location provided a small amount of privacy.
(4) Blacksmith Shop
The quarter site included a blacksmith shop. This is where enslaved blacksmiths such as Daniel, Carter, and Jim worked.
(5) Agricultural Complex
Next to the enslaved quarter site was a large barn and stable. These structures housed the Hites' horses and agricultural equipment.
Why so few trees?
The woods behind the site date from the late 1900s. In the early 1800s, this part of Belle Grove was cleared of most trees.
Archaeological research by Dr. Matthew Greer
Digital illustration by Dr. David Hixson
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Anthropology & Archaeology. A significant historical year for this entry is 2015.
Location. 39° 1.267′ N, 78° 18.294′ W. Marker is in Middletown, Virginia, in Frederick County. Marker is on Belle Grove Road (Virginia Route 727) just north of Valley Pike (U.S. 11), on the left when traveling north. Marker is located at Tour Stop 5 on the Cedar Creek Battlefield Driving Tour. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 336 Belle Grove Road, Middletown VA 22645, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Outflanked! (here, next to this marker); In Honor of Joist Hite (1685-1761) (within shouting distance of this marker); A Rich Prize (within shouting distance of this marker); The Shenandoah Valley / Battle of Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864 (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Hall at Belle Grove (within shouting distance of this marker); Plantation Slavery (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Cedar Creek Battlefield and Belle Grove (about 400 feet away); The Enslaved Burial Ground (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Middletown.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2023, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 53 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 30, 2023, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.