Exhibit from Friends of the Slave Quarters on Display at Thomas Balch Library

This exhibit chronicles the preservation process of the Arcola Quarters of the Enslaved from discovery to its present state. When discovered, the Arcola Quarters were being used as a garage for family farm equipment. A developer’s survey revealed that the stone structure probably housed enslaved people and was perhaps built by those enslaved. The display also documents work done to stabilize and preserve this historical structure. The exhibit also includes history and photos of the Settle-Dean Cabin, located in nearby Chantilly, which upon his death in 1886, Thomas Settle willed to his former slave Charles Dean and Dean’s descendants.

Please call 703-737-7195 or email balchlib@leesburgva.gov for more information.

The Friends of the Slave Quarters (FOSQ) is an advocacy group that advises the Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) department on preserving the Arcola Quarters of the Enslaved. The 15-acre park surrounding the Quarters is in the early stages of development. Citizen involvement is essential to the life of these preservation projects. To become involved with Friends of the Slave Quarters, please email arcolaquarters@gmail.com