New online exhibit about post Civil War African American community in Gainesville now available

Prince William County Parks’ Office of Historic Preservation is proud to announce its new online exhibit—The Settlement, about a historic African American community in Gainesville that formed years after the American Civil War. The project was a collaboration between Prince William County’s Planning Office and the Office of Historic Preservation. Just in time for Black History Month, you can view the exhibit here. 

The history of The Settlement dates back to the 1860s when formerly enslaved individuals from Virginia plantations purchased property in the area and built a thriving African American community. This neighborhood was never mapped, incorporated, or formally defined. However, current and former residents agree that the majority of The Settlement existed in the area between Carver Road, Old Carolina Road, and U.S. Route 29 in western Prince William County.

“This exhibit honors the resilience and vision of formerly enslaved families who purchased land, built homes, and created a community on their own terms,” said Yolanda Grayson King, member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church and descendant of Sally Grayson, a founding member of The Settlement community.

Over the past few decades, the population of The Settlement has dwindled and many of its residents have moved away. Encroaching development in Northern Virginia has taken a toll on the built environment, though some efforts to preserve The Settlement have succeeded. In recent years, local advocates have fought to preserve what is left of the historic integrity of the community, including a successful bid to keep Dominion Energy from erecting transmission lines in the area in 2017. The increased awareness of the importance of this African American enclave prompted Prince William County to initiate further research into the history of the area.        

"By sharing the story of The Settlement, we are preserving voices that were too often left out of the historical record and ensuring their legacy is recognized for generations to come,” added Lauren Maloy, Historic Communities Coordinator for the Office of Historic Preservation.

To learn more, view pictures, maps, and explore sites within The Settlement, click here for the online exhibit.