On the morning of August 23, 1831, Belmont was the site of the next-to-last skirmish in the Nat Turner insurrection, the bloodiest and best-known slave revolt in American history.
Beginning at the Travis plantation on the evening of August 21, Turner and approximately seventy followers moved from house to house, killing approximately 59 people.
Just before dawn on August 23, Turner and about 20 of his followers arrived at Belmont, home of Dr. Samuel Blunt. Forewarned of the dangers ahead, Dr. Blunt insisted that his slaves stay and defend the plantation and his family, or join the insurgents. All stayed and successfully defended the home and its occupants. Many of Turner's followers perished before reaching Belmont and the remainder were captured and executed upon arrival. Turner escaped, but was later captured on October 30, 1831. He was convicted and hanged on November 11, 1831.
In part prompted by the Nat Turner rebellion, the Virginia General Assembly spent much of its December 1831 session debating the possible abolition of slavery. Governor John Floyd hoped that the rebellion would convince the legislature to gradually abolish slavery. Contrary to Floyd's wishes, the legislature enacted more stringent slave laws and attempted to suppress abolitionist writings.
See also: Courtland entry.
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NE off VA 652