New Kent in New Kent County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Liberation at Cumberland

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

1. Liberation at Cumberland Marker

Inscription. A sizable number of enslaved persons, described by a Union officer as bright, sprightly, enterprising and intelligent, resided at Cumberland. They were allowed to own personal property, including foodstuffs, which they sold in volume to the Union Army during its occupation of the grounds in May, 1862. The celebrated photographer Matthew Brady photographed the group during the occupation.

They remembered the predecessor of the Civil War-era owner as a "fine gentleman," but the incumbent and his wife, the Tollers, were not so well regarded. Freed from bondage by the Union forces, the residents had to avoid malicious stragglers and camp followers on their perilous routes to freedom.

Erected by New Kent Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1862.

Location. 37° 32.468′ N, 76° 58.758′ W. Marker is in New Kent, Virginia, in New Kent County. It is on Cumberland Road 2 miles north of New Kent Highway, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located at the entrance to Cumberland Estate.

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Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 907 Cumberland Road, New Kent VA 23124, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Virginia’s Peninsula

and in Coastal Virginia.

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: Henry Armistead (here, next to this marker); Camp Cumberland (here, next to this marker); Earliest History of Cumberland Plantation (a few steps from this marker); Cumberland House During the Civil War (a few steps from this marker); A River in View (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Harriet Tubman (about 800 feet away); Cumberland Town (approx. 0.3 miles away); French Cannon at Cumberland Landing

Liberation at Cumberland Marker (left) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

2. Liberation at Cumberland Marker (left)

(approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Kent.

Also see . . .
1. Cumberland: A Historical Legacy. (Submitted on February 25, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Cumberland a House with History. (Submitted on February 25, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Cumberland Plantation image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Wikipedia Commons

3. Cumberland Plantation

Cumberland Entry Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

4. Cumberland Entry Sign

Cumberland Landing, Va. Group of "contrabands" at Foller's house image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James F. Gibson, May 14, 1862

5. Cumberland Landing, Va. Group of "contrabands" at Foller's house

Library of Congress (LC-B8171-383)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 25, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 265 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 25, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. 5. submitted on February 28, 2025. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.