Courtland in Southampton County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Rebecca Vaughan House
The High Point of the Rebellion
| — | Nat Turner Trail: 1831 Southampton Insurrection | — |
You are here in Courtland, the county seat of Southampton County, Virginia, at the Rebecca Vaughan House's new site. This building was moved from its original location, five miles away from the end of a long lane off Barrow Road. the last landowners killed during the 1831 Southampton Insurrection, were at this house. Today, it is the only structure remaining where enslavers died during the rebellion.
What happened Here?
Nat Turner and his men reached the widow Rebecca Vaughan's house around noon on August 22, 1831. Rebecca heard riders approaching, thinking it was her son, George, coming home with a group of fox hunters. The insurrectionists had already killed George. They then killed Arthur, Vaughan's other son, and the overseer near the still as they rode up to the house. Rebecca was inside with her 18-year-old niece. Anne Eliza Vaughan, who was visiting to plan her wedding. Hearing voices outside, Anne Eliza came downstairs. She was killed immediately, her body thrown outside. Rebecca asked to go upstairs to pray before meeting her Maker. The insurrectionists agreed, but she prayed too long. They killed her while
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Nat Turner: An Enslaver's Description
"He is between 30 & 35 years old—5 feet six or 8 inches high—weighs between 150 & 160 rather bright complexion but not a mulatto—broad-shouldered—large flat nose—large eyes—broad flat feet rather knock kneed—walk brisk and active—hair on the top of the head very thin—no beard except on the up-per lip and the tip of the chin. A scar on one of his temples produced kick of a mule — also one on the back of his neck by a bite— a large knot on one of the bones of his right arm near the writs produced by a blow—" —William Parker, Esq. Letter to Governor John Floyd, September 14, 1831
Erected by Nat Turner Insurrection Trail.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Notable Events • Women. In addition, it is included in the Nat Turner Trail: 1831 Southampton Insurrection series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 22, 1831.
Location. 36° 42.661′ N, 77° 3.459′ W. Marker is in Courtland,
Regionally, this marker is 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 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: The 1831 Insurrection (here, next to this marker); Conditions of Slavery (a few steps from this marker); Slavery's Roots (a few steps from this marker); Slave Revolts (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Luke's Church (approx. half a mile away); Seven Gables (approx. half a mile away); Rochelle-Prince House
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, November 15, 2025
3. Rebecca Vaughan House
Another marker is no longer nearby. The Rebecca Vaughan House (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 181 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 24, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on November 15, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.
