Courtland in Southampton County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Seven Gables
Home of Thomas Ruffin Gray
| | Nat Turner Trail: 1831 Southampton Insurrection | |
The elegant residence you see here is known as Seven Gables. Josiah Vick constructed it around 1800. By the time of the 1831 Southampton Insurrection, attorney Thomas Ruffin Gray owned this home.
Gray's Time with Nat Turner
From a prominent Southampton County family, Gray had practiced law in Jerusalem (today's Courtland) since 1829. During the hearings following the Southampton Insurrection, Thomas Gray served as a court-appointed lawyer for several of Nat Turner's followers, but not for Turner. Nevertheless, Gray took it upon himself to obtain Turner's confession. He likely transcribed and edited the document in this house, and it was later read before the county court to ensure its accuracy. Six justices signed a document certifying that Turner acknowledged his confession to be "full, free and voluntary." Gray then copyrighted and published the 24-page pamphlet, The Confessions of Nat Turner.
Gray's Motive?
Gray attested that his purpose was to create a clear and accurate record of the causes, events, and immediate aftermath of the insurrection; yet, the lawyer was in financial distress and may have published the document solely for monetary gain. Nonetheless, Gray's The Confessions of Nat Turner provides one of the most important primary source documents detailing the
this page online
Erected by Nat Turner Insurrection Trail.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Nat Turner Trail: 1831 Southampton Insurrection series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1800.
Location. 36° 42.757′ N, 77° 3.97′ W. Marker is in Courtland, Virginia, in Southampton County. It is on Main Street (Business U.S. 58) west of Rochelle Street (County Road T-611), on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 22401 Main St, Courtland VA 23837, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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 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: St. Luke's Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Southampton County (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The County Courthouse (about 300 feet away); Cypress Bridge (about 400 feet away); John Brown (about 400 feet away); The County Jail (about 400 feet away); Dred Scott Decision (about 400 feet away); Rochelle-Prince House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Courtland.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 631 times since then and 93 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 24, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
