Memorializing the Enslaved in Arlington unveiled the first edition of The Enslaved People of Arlington, Virginia: A Spreadsheet documenting the lives of over 1400 enslaved individuals in Arlington from 1669-1865.
Names of over 800 enslaved individuals have been uncovered along with information on enslavers and locations of bondage. Where possible, vital information, occupations, family relationships, and the records providing them have been supplied. We will update the spreadsheet over time as additional information is found. We have also posted supporting documentation:
- Slavery in Arlington: A Timeline, 1669-1865
- Climbing Jacob’s Ladder: Stories of Arlington’s Enslaved, and
- An interactive map so you can see where the enslaved lived and toiled.
Sharing these online materials is a step toward making information on slavery in Arlington a resource for everyone.
In the News:
- They Lived in Arlington. They Were Enslaved. (Arlington Magazine, February 7, 2024)
- This Peaceful Nature Sanctuary in Washington, D.C. Sits on the Ruins of a Plantation (Smithsonian Magazine, February 7, 2024)
- ‘Stumbling Stones,’ New Data Emerge From Enslaved In Arlington Project (Patch, November 2, 2023)
- Black Heritage Museum, Arlington Historical Society Dedicate Markers Honoring Three Enslaved People (NBC4. October 28, 2023)
- Arlington County’s Oldest House Unveils ‘Stumbling Stones’ Memorializing Its Former Enslaved Inhabitants (WTOP, October 28, 2023)
- Ball-Sellers House Museum to Get Three Bronze Plaques Memorializing People Enslaved There (ArlNow, October 13, 2023)
Click here for a full description of the Memorializing the Enslaved in Arlington project and earlier updates. (Or cut and paste this link in your browser: https://arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org/2022/04/memorializing-the-enslaved-in-arlington/ )
Memorializing the Enslaved in Arlington is sponsored by Virginia Humanities and JBG Smith Cares.
