Foxcroft Heights in Arlington in Arlington County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Freedman's Village

February 9, 2008

1. Freedman's Village Marker

Inscription. After the outbreak of the Civil War, escaped slaves sought refuge at Union Camps and thousands crowded into the Federal City. In response to the unhealthy conditions in Washington, the government selected a site on Arlington Heights in May, 1863, to provide freed slaves with housing and opportunities for work, training and education. Freedman’s Village, which was located in Arlington National Cemetery, was soon built and formally dedicated on December 4, 1863. There were over 50 two-story duplex houses, two churches, a school, a meeting hall, hospital and home for the aged and infirm. In time the population exceeded 1,000. Though intended to be temporary, the village lasted into the 1890s, when it was closed and its residents dispersed.

Erected by Arlington County, Virginia.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1863.

Location. 38° 52.124′ N, 77° 4.26′ W. Marker is in Arlington, Virginia, in Arlington County. It is in Foxcroft Heights. It is at the intersection of South Oak Street and Southgate Road, on the right when traveling north on South Oak Street. Marker is located at Foxcroft Heights Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Arlington VA 22209, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area

and in Northern Virginia.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

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: A different marker also named Freedman’s Village (here, next to this marker); Site of Arlington Chapel (approx. 0.2 miles away); Robert Edwin Peary (approx. 0.2 miles away); Matthew Alexander Henson (approx. 0.2 miles away); U.S. Coast Guard Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); You Are Remembered (approx. ¼ mile away); The Peacemaker (approx. ¼ mile away); 96th Infantry Division, U.S. Army (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arlington.

Also see . . . Lost Village of Slaves Found. Blog post from the Civil War Librarian. (Submitted on April 27, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

February 9, 2008

2. Freedman's Village Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 20, 2008. This page has been viewed 3,156 times since then and 75 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 20, 2008. • Christopher Busta-Peck was the editor who published this page.