Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

Letters Via Hardin's Tavern: 19th Century Slavery in Albemarle and Botetourt Counties, the Gilmer-Breckinridge Correspondence, MS 726, Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society

Acquisition Information

Gift of Michael Dickens, September 2024

Biographical/Historical Information

The Gilmer and Breckinridge families were prominent enslavers and landholders in Albemarle and Botetourt Counties, Virginia. The families retained their connections despite the geographic distance between the two counties after the 1830 marriage of Emma Walker Gilmer and Cary Breckinridge. The written records of the family document 248 enslaved individuals residing on the various family plantations; Pen Park, Leigh, Farmington, and Ivy Creek in Albemarle County, and Catawba and Grove Hill in Botetourt County.

Scope and Content

This essay details the people enslaved by the Gilmer and Breckinridge families. Included is a name index with biographical facts of those enslaved.

NOTES: The name index is found at: https://e4st95zcpev.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/letters-via-hardins-tavern.pdf.

Index Terms

Family Names:

• Breckinridge family
• Gilmer family

Subjects:

• Enslaved persons--Virginia--Albemarle County
• Enslaved persons--Virginia--Botetourt County
• Plantation life--Virginia--History--19th century
• Slavery--Virginia--Albemarle County
• Slavery--Virginia--Botetourt County

Geographical Names:

• Albemarle County (Va.)
• Botetourt County (Va.)