Thirteen months ago, the Fairfax County History Commission began work on a research inventory to capture, communicate, and preserve the African American experience throughout Fairfax County’s history. The first draft of this ongoing project is now available online, the Fairfax … Continue reading →
Journalist Tom Shoop’s August 23 article The Plantation and the Pizza Hut examines past and current efforts to preserve history in Fairfax County. This website was one of his many sources. And I am pleased that my photo of Dennis … Continue reading →
“Cousin Anna” to Robert E. Lee and widowed in 1830, Anna Maria Fitzhugh was matron of Ravensworth for 44 years and its protector during the Civil War. Samuel Smothermon was transported to the Virginia colony to serve seven years as … Continue reading →
Role in Ravensworth – owner Parcel 1.2 Anna Maria Sarah Goldsborough1 was born on November 15, 1796 in Dorchester County, Maryland, one of two children born to Charles W. and Elizabeth Goldsborough of Maryland.2 Her father was a longtime Member … Continue reading →
Role in Ravensworth: tenant and leaseholder in Parcel 1.1, leaseholder in
Continue reading →Existing pages recently updated with new information: William Marbury Fitzhugh – details of his return from Kentucky and a federal job Orange and Alexandria Railroad – added Ravensworth Station, a private depot serving the Ravensworth plantation (from research prompted by … Continue reading →
Meade Battaile’s sales of his inherited Oak Hill land (Parcel 1.1.4.3.6) created a diverse community that continued at least into the 1920s. African American buyers included three former Oak Hill slaves. John H. Newman Oscar Newman Richard P. Newman Caucasian … Continue reading →
Role in Ravensworth: Owner Parcel 1.1.4.3.6.7 Richard P. Newman was born about 1841 in Fairfax County into slavery. He was listed on the 1856 Estate Inventory of Richard Fitzhugh. He was listed as Richard, value $600. Richard married Fannie Brown … Continue reading →
Role in Ravensworth: Owner Parcels 1.1.4.3.6.0, 1.1.4.3.6.2 and 1.1.4.3.6.10 Oscar Newman was born about May 1850 into slavery. He was listed on the 1856 Estate Inventory of Richard Fitzhugh. He was listed as Oscar, value $300. Oscar married Mary (last … Continue reading →
Role in Ravensworth: Owner Parcel 1.1.4.3.6.9 John H. Newman was born about 1850 in Fairfax County into slavery. He was listed on the 1856 Estate Inventory of Richard Fitzhugh. He was listed as John, value $700. He Married Lillie Gatewood, … Continue reading →