Israel Hill facts for kids
Israel Hill was a special place in Prince Edward County, Virginia, in the United States. It was located along the Appomattox River. This community was started in 1810 for free black people living in the area. Today, Israel Hill is part of Farmville, Virginia.
The Story of Israel Hill
Israel Hill began around 1810. It grew into a community for free Black people in Prince Edward County, Virginia. This area was right next to the Appomattox River.
How the Community Started
The land for Israel Hill came from a man named Richard Randolph. He was a relative of Thomas Jefferson. When Richard Randolph died in 1796, his will said that all the enslaved people he owned should become free.
His wife, Judith Randolph, helped make this happen. She inherited land from her husband. She used this land to create a new home for these newly freed people. This is how Israel Hill was founded. It became a place where free Black families could live and build their lives.
Remembering Israel Hill
Many years later, people wanted to make sure Israel Hill's history was remembered. In 2009, a special historical marker was put up. This marker helps tell the story of the community to everyone who visits the area.
Today, Israel Hill is no longer a separate community. It has become a part of the nearby town of Farmville, Virginia.
A history professor named Melvin Patrick Ely wrote a book about this unique community. The book is called Israel on the Appomattox. It shares many details about the lives of the people who lived there.
