In May 1691 Benjamin Lewis filed a complaint against William Harris in Stafford County court (at the time the area containing PWC was part of Stafford). Lewis was a Black servant on Harris’ Prince William County plantation. Lewis claimed that he was free in England, and had been brought Virginia under a contract to serve four years, just as white indentured servants were. His contract, signed in England on 11 June 1686, is among the records of Stafford County. His master, William Harris, claimed the paper was forged. The jury found that the contract was valid and ordered Lewis’s release. William Harris died in 1698 and was buried near Neabsco Creek and Route 1, where his plantation was located. Later, his tombstone was moved to Pohick Church in Fairfax County, where it may be seen today. The final location of Benjamin Lewis is unknown. Nearby is historic Rippon Lodge Historic Site, once the home of dozens of enslaved workers. Today the site interprets the house and farm’s history from 1740-today.
General
- Distance to Washington, DC: 28
- Hours of Operation: dawn to dusk
- Parking Information: Until boardwalk parking is available, please use lots at Rippon Lodge Historic Site or Eagles Park, both a hop/skip/jump from the boardwalk. Street parking is not allowed on Blackburn Road.
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Pet Friendly:
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Wheelchair Accessible: