Oatlands Plantation was begun in 1804 by George Carter, great-grandson of Virgina's renowned planter, Robert "King" Carter. With the addition of many dependency buildings, the plantation soon became a 3400 acre estate. The complex is valuable as a social document of Piedmont Virginia country life in the early 19th century. The Plantation is associated with the UGRR because of runaway ads and letters by George Carter documenting escapes from slavery. The story of "Billy" (William Jordon Augustus) begins with 2 newspaper ads (1809) and continues in a series of letters between Carter, his nephew Tom and a Doctor. Billy apparently escaped to PA where he lived for at least 8 years before being apprehended and lodged in a jail in Baltimore. Through a ruse, he was able to once again escape, probably to Pennsylvania.
Visitor Information: Currently open to public.
Location: 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, 20175
Contact Information: email@example.com
National Register/National Historic Landmark Status: Oatlands
National Park Unit: No
Ownership: David Boyce
Location Type: Site
People/Organizations Associated with the site: George Carter (Owner)
Freedom Seekers: “Billy” (William Jordan Augustus)