Farmville in Prince Edward County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Free Blacks of Israel Hill

Photographed By Craig Swain, February 27, 2010

1. Free Blacks of Israel Hill Marker

Inscription. Just to the west lies Israel Hill, settled in 1810-1811 by approximately ninety formerly enslaved persons who received freedom and 350 acres from Judith Randolph under the will of her husband, Richard Randolph, cousin of Thomas Jefferson. These "Israelites" and other free African Americans worked as farmers, craftspeople, and Appomattox River boatmen; some labored alongside whites for equal wages and defended their rights in court. The family of early settler Hercules White bought and sold real estate in Farmville and joined with white citizens to found the town's first Baptist church in 1836. Israel Hill remained a vigorous black community into the twentieth century.

Erected 2009 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number I 14-a.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Agriculture • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1836.

Location. 37° 18.794′ N, 78° 25.354′ W. Marker is in Farmville, Virginia, in Prince Edward

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County. Marker is at the intersection of West 3rd Street (Business U.S. 15) and Layne Street (County Route 695), on the right when traveling east on West 3rd Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Farmville VA 23901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A New Birth of Freedom (approx. 1.7 miles away); Farmville Female Seminary Association (approx. 1.7 miles away); Four Sororities Founded (approx. 1.7 miles away); Confederate Veterans Monument (approx. 1.7 miles away); Dr. William W. H. Thackston (approx. 1.7 miles away); Farmville (approx. 1.8 miles away); a different marker also named Farmville (approx. 1.8 miles away); Martha E. Forrester (approx. 1.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Farmville.

Photographed By Craig Swain, February 27, 2010

2. Free Blacks of Israel Hill Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 28, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 17,944 times since then and 1,642 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 28, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.