Batestown, Virginia facts for kids

Batestown was a small community that no longer exists, located in Prince William County, Virginia. It was near the town of Dumfries, along Quantico Creek. This special place was a home for freed slaves and was named after Mary Bates, who was an important leader in the community.

What Was Batestown?

Batestown was an extinct community, meaning it no longer exists as a town. It was an "unincorporated community," which means it didn't have its own official local government like a city or town. Instead, it was part of the larger Prince William County. The community was located at the very end of Batestown Road, in what is now a western part of Dumfries.

A Community of Freedom

Batestown was very important because it was a safe place for African Americans who had gained their freedom. After slavery ended, many freed slaves looked for places to build new lives. Batestown became one of these special communities. It was named after Mary Bates, a strong woman who was a leader and a mother figure to many in the community. Another nearby community, Hickory Ridge, also shared a similar history.

The Government Steps In

Sadly, Batestown and Hickory Ridge faced a similar challenge. Between 1933 and 1937, the United States government started a program called the Resettlement Administration. This program aimed to create new recreational areas. For the Chopawamsic Recreational Demonstration Area, the government bought 79 pieces of land in Batestown and Hickory Ridge. They also officially took over 48 other properties, even if the owners didn't want to sell them. The idea was that the farmers living there would move to better land. However, the government often didn't help these families find new places to live.

A Difficult Time

The people of Batestown and Hickory Ridge didn't want to leave their homes. They resisted the government's efforts to make them move. Some even tried to hide within the park's boundaries to avoid being found. This difficult situation continued until World War II began. During the war, the park area was taken over by the Office of Strategic Services, which was a spy training ground.

The area became a high-security zone, surrounded by barbed wire fences and patrolled by dogs and armed guards. Any remaining residents, about forty-four families, were forced to leave. Some were even physically carried away from their homes, crying and protesting.

What Happened Next?

After World War II ended, the families who had been forced out hoped they would get their land back. However, this never happened. To this day, these families have not received any payment for their lost homes and land. Instead, the property was given to the National Park Service and became what is now known as Prince William Forest Park.