Historical Marker Project Unveils Third Marker: The Enslaved 16

Students, families, community leaders and historians gathered on Saturday, April 5, to unveil a new historical marker honoring the Enslaved 16. This dedication marks the third in a series of markers installed across Fairfax County to illuminate the African American experience and its vital role in shaping the region’s history.

The marker honors 16 individuals who were enslaved in the 1850s by the owner of the land on which West Springfield now stands. Their names, ages and assigned monetary values were recorded in an 1856 estate inventory and serve as a stark reminder of how enslaved Black individuals were historically documented as property rather than recognized for their humanity.

• Charles (27; $1,000)
• Hannah & Child (29; $900)
• Laura (9; $300)
• Bill (4; $200)
• John (20; $1,000)
• Louisa (22; $800)
• Ann (9; $300)
• Cora (4; $150)
• Peter (25; $1,000)
• Harriet (28; $800)
• Sandy (6; $250)
• Sally (56; $100)
• Henry (25; $1,000)
• Daniel (11; $500)
• Sealy (7; $200)

Some were forced to cultivate crops and raise livestock on the plantation, while others were made to labor in houses owned by the estate in Alexandria. This marker, nominated by Applied History students at West Springfield High School, ensures their stories are remembered and honored for generations to come.

The Black/African American Historical Marker Project was initiated by the Board of Supervisors in 2021 to provide a more comprehensive and inclusive telling of the county’s history. As part of the initiative, local youth were invited to research and nominate significant people, places and events for recognition.

This effort is a collaboration between the Board of Supervisors, Fairfax County Public Schools, the History Commission, Neighborhood and Community Services, and the Department of Planning and Development.

This initiative aligns with the county’s One Fairfax policy, which commits to considering equity in all decision-making. By acknowledging the past and ensuring a fuller historical narrative, the county strives to create a more inclusive future where all voices and histories are recognized and valued.