Courtland in Southampton County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Southampton County
A Diverse Agrarian Community
| | Nat Turner Trail: 1831 Southampton Insurrection | |
Southampton County was established in 1749. Before the Europeans' arrival, the area south of the Blackwater River was inhabited by Native Americans primarily the Nottoway Indians. According to the 1830 census, Southampton County mostly contained small farms and a few plantations such as "Sunnyside," "Oak Grove," "Belmont," and "Rose Hill." Only a small number of landowners owned more than 20 slaves. Nevertheless, more than 7,756 enslaved people of African descent were in the county. The minority White population (6,573 people) feared the consequences of a slave revolt.
Cash Crops
The county's primary products included tobacco, cotton, corn, brandy, and chattel people. The rapid rise of cotton cultivation in the Deep South prompted the interstate slave trade, making enslaved persons Virginia's largest export during the five decades before the Civil War.
Quakers, Baptists, and the American Colonization Society
The 1830 census recorded that the county had 1,745 Blacks, including Nottoway Indians. The Nottoways lived on a reservation in the county, and were considered "free white of mixed blood, not being a white person, nor a free Negro."1 This number could be due to the influence of Quakers and Emancipation Baptists, groups that were crucial in expanding a community
this page online
1. As stated in Free Person of Color Not Negro (FPCNN) certificates.
Free Black people had limited freedom and had to petition the commonwealth to remain in Virginia after being granted liberty. Anthony Gardiner's family was one of many who was able to go to Liberia. Africa, via support from the American Colonization Society. Those who remained struggled. Five free Blacks were accused of being folowers of Nat Turner. Only one, Barry Newsun, would be executed for his role in the insurrection.
Erected by Nat Turner Insurrection Trail.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Agriculture • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Nat Turner Trail: 1831 Southampton Insurrection, and the Quakerism series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1749.
Location. 36° 42.804′ N, 77° 4.009′ W. Marker is in Courtland, Virginia, in Southampton County. It is on Main Street (Business U.S. 58) north of Rochelle Street (County Road T-611), on the left when traveling west
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: The County Courthouse (here, next to this marker); The County Jail (a few steps from this marker); Dred Scott Decision (a few steps from this marker); Rochelle-Prince House (a few steps from this marker); Cypress Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); John Brown (within shouting distance of this marker); Not Forgotten (within shouting distance of this marker); Confederate Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker). 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 156 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 24, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
