Near Hanover in Caroline County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Gabriel’s Rebellion

Photographed by Dawn Bowen, July 28, 2007

1. Gabriel's Rebellion Marker

Inscription. On 24 Aug. 1800, slave Ben Woolfolk met with other slaves at nearby Littlepage’s Bridge to recruit individuals for an insurrection planned for 30 Aug. The insurgents led by Gabriel, a slave owned by Thomas Henry Prosser of Henrico County, intended to march into Richmond, capture Governor James Monroe, and force him and other leaders to support political, social, and economic equality. Intense rains delayed the scheme. Mosby Sheppard of Henrico County notified Monroe of the conspiracy after his slaves, Tom and Pharoah, made him aware of the plot. Monroe called out the militia, who captured many of the alleged conspirators. Trials were held in a number of jurisdictions, including Caroline County, resulting in the execution of Gabriel and at least 25 supporters.

Erected 2002 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number E-115.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Colonial Era. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #05 James Monroe, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is August 24, 1800.

Location. 37° 47.44′ N,

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77° 22.189′ W. Marker is near Hanover, Virginia, in Caroline County. It is on Richmond Highway (U.S. 301) 3 miles south of Dawn Boulevard (Virginia Route 30), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hanover VA 23069, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Piedmont

and in Central Virginia.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Caroline County / Hanover County (within shouting distance of this marker); Hanover Courthouse (approx. 1.9 miles away); a different marker also named Hanover Courthouse (approx. 1.9 miles away); Hanover Confederate Soldiers Monument

Marker along Hanover Courthouse Road (US 301) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dawn Bowen, July 28, 2007

2. Marker along Hanover Courthouse Road (US 301)

(approx. 1.9 miles away); The Fields Family (approx. 1.9 miles away); Patrick Henry (approx. 1.9 miles away); Hanover Tavern (approx. 2 miles away); a different marker also named Hanover Tavern (approx. 2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hanover.

Other markers no longer nearby. Washington-Rochambeau Route (was approx. 1.9 miles away but has been permanently removed); Hanover Court House (was approx. 1.9 miles away but has been permanently removed).

Photographed by Mike Stroud, May 10, 2012

3. Gabriel’s Rebellion Marker

Gabriel of Brookfield image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, November 1, 2025

4. Gabriel of Brookfield

Portrait of Gabriel painted in 2021 by Jerome W. Jones, Jr., based on descriptions of Gabriel. Gabriel stood 6'2, had scars on his face, and was missing his two front teeth. This portrait is displayed at Meadow Farm's community center.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 29, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 5,338 times since then and 75 times this year. Last updated on February 22, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 29, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on May 14, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 4. submitted on February 11, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.