An 18th Century Enslaved Community at Sully

At Sully, the stories, buildings, and landscapes testify to the talent and labor of an enslaved community that lived there 250 years ago. The 777-acre farm owned by Richard Bland Lee required many hands to succeed, and historic documents preserve the names and roles of many people owned by and serving the Lee family. Their vital work as carpenters, blacksmiths, farmers, cooks, and laundresses helped support Sully. When Lee inherited the property in 1787, it included 29 enslaved men, women, and children, most of African descent, and many families had been enslaved for generations. Among those named are John, George, Samuel, Juba, Patty, Harry, Thornton, Tom, Henry, Prue, Davy, Eave, Ludwell, and Nancy, along with many others who lived and worked at Sully under the conditions of 18th century slavery.

Sully Square, Virginia · United States