Batestown is a predominantly African American community in eastern Prince William County that was founded in the 1820s. The community was one of only a handful of African American communities in Northern Virginia prior to the Civil War. After the Civil War, Batestown grew in population as formerly enslaved people moved here. Soon it became known as the African American section of Dumfries. Mainly farmers, some residents also worked at the nearby Pyrite Mine and Quantico Marine Corps Base. New work opportunities in the area drew new residents from throughout Virginia to Batestown, with some families moving as far away as Richmond to Batestown. By the 20th century the community grew large enough to support a church and school. In the 1930s the Federal government threatened eminent domain if local landowners did not sell their land to create Prince William Forrest Park. Not all sections of Batestown were incorporated into the Park, and the community still survives today.

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• Tickets are limited. The orders of the Governor as well as the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) in effect at the time of the event will be followed related to COVID-19 guidelines for entrance and occupancy.
• Dedication Program will be streamed live on Facebook via https://www.facebook.com/PotomacDistrict/
• Food Vendors available on-site – Z’s Southern Kitchen (zssouthernkitchen.com) & Jeremiah’s Kansas City Style Bar B Q (jeremiahskansascitystylebarbq.com)

For more details and questions:

[email protected]

703.792.4645

https://tinyurl.com/batestownrd

Schedule

• 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM 30 minutesRegistration & Viewing of Batestown ArchivesMerchant Park Gazebo Stage
• 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM 1 hourBatestown Road Renaming & Dedication Program – Special Guest SpeakersMerchant Park Gazebo