Courtland in Southampton County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The County Jail
Where Nat Turner Was Held
| | Nat Turner Trail: 1831 Southampton Insurrection | |
In 1831, a simple wood structure stood here, next to the Southampton County Courthouse. Built as a jail, the small building held Nat Turner and many of his followers before trial and during the time between their sentencing and executions.
Nat Turner's Capture
When his rebellion collapsed, Nat Turner returned to the insurrection site on Cabin Pond Road. He hid for more than two months in makeshift "caves" until Benjamin Phipps captured him. Turner was delivered to the jail on October 31, 1831. Governor John Floyd had authorized a $500 reward for Turner's capture. Edward Burts, deputy of Southampton County's sheriff Clements Rochelle, signed the receipt.
Jail and Judgment
Turner was chained and shackled upon his arrival. An extra militia guard ensured that no plot occurred to allow the escape of the insurrection's leader. From November 1 through 4, 1831, lawyer Thomas Ruffin Gray sat with "General Nat," recording The Confessions of Nat Turner. Turner was tried on November 5 by Southampton County's Court of Oyer and Terminer. Justice of the Peace Jeremiah Cobb sentenced Turner to be "hanged by the neck until he was dead." Turner remained in jail until judgement was carried hut. He was executed on November 11, 1831.
Erected by Nat Turner
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Law Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the Nat Turner Trail: 1831 Southampton Insurrection series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 31, 1831.
Location. 36° 42.808′ N, 77° 4.012′ W. Marker is in Courtland, Virginia, in Southampton County. It is on Main Street (Business U.S. 58) south of Court Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 22371 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: Dred Scott Decision (here, next to this marker); The County Courthouse (a few steps from this marker); Southampton County (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.
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, March 21, 2026
2. The County Jail Site
The County Jail described in the marker stood almost directly in front of the marker, in the area now covered by the parking lot. Records are spotty but there was apparently at least one newer jail here, ca. 1904, after the version Nat Turner was held in was demolished. The current jail is on the opposite side of the Courthouse complex and was built in 1953.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 167 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 24, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on May 29, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on June 24, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
