Near Richmond in Henrico County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Young's Spring

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 21, 2009

1. Young's Spring Marker

Inscription. Just one block southwest at Young's Spring on Upham Brook, slaves often congregated on weekends to hold religious services and social gatherings. This is where Gabriel, a slave of William Prosser, planned the slave rebellion scheduled for 30 August 1800. Gabriel and his followers plotted to capture Richmond and to demand their freedom. The attack never took place because a turbulent thunderstorm made roads and bridges to the city impassable. Governor James Monroe, learning of the plot, mustered the militia. Eventually, most of the conspirators were captured and twenty-six slaves were executed.

Erected 1997 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number E-103.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #05 James Monroe, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1800.

Location. 37° 35.967′ N, 77° 28.003′ W. Marker is near Richmond, Virginia, in Henrico County. It is

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at the intersection of Lakeside Avenue (Virginia Route 161) and Park Street, on the right when traveling north on Lakeside Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Henrico VA 23228, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Piedmont

and in Central Virginia.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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: Spring Park (about 500 feet away); Joseph Bryan Park (about 600 feet away); Richmond Defences (approx. ¼ mile away); Adèle Goodman Clark (approx. 0.8 miles away); Emmanuel Church at Brook Hill Episcopal (approx. 0.8 miles away); Gabriel’s Insurrection (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Fort Under Attack (approx.

Lakeside Ave & Park St (facing north) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 21, 2009

2. Lakeside Ave & Park St (facing north)

0.9 miles away); a different marker also named Stuart's Ride (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Other markers no longer nearby. Gabriel’s Rebellion (was about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing); Sheridan Maneuvers East (was approx. 0.7 miles away but has been confirmed missing); Stuart's Ride (was approx. 0.9 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Also see . . .
1. Gabriel's Conspiracy 1799-1800. PBS – Africans in America (Submitted on November 22, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)

2. Hubbard Pryor (Confused for Gabriel). This National Park Service link talks about the man whose likeness is often used to depict Gabriel. (Submitted on October 21, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia.)

Additional commentary.
1. Spring Park
Young’s Spring was buried by Buckingham Street and now drains into Bryan Park via the north bank over Upham Brook. Mineral Spring in Spring Park is a different spring.

— Submitted February 9, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia.

Spring Park Historic Site on Park Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 21, 2009

3. Spring Park Historic Site on Park Street

Nearby Upham Brook image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 21, 2009

4. Nearby Upham Brook

Traditional Portrayal of Gabriel image. Click for full size.

5. Traditional Portrayal of Gabriel

Except it is a sketched, mirrored photograph of Hubbard Pryor, a former slave that served as a USCT during the Civil War.

Gabriel of Brookfield image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, November 1, 2025

6. Gabriel of Brookfield

Portrait of Gabriel painted in 2021 by Jerome W. Jones, Jr., based on descriptions of Gabriel. Gabriel stood 6'2, had scars on his face, and was missing his two front teeth. This portrait is displayed at Meadow Farm's community center.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 22, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,209 times since then and 129 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 22, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 5. submitted on November 22, 2009. 6. submitted on February 11, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia.