Young's Spring

Just one block southwest at Young's Spring on Upham Brook, slaves often congregated on weekends to hold religious services and social gatherings. This is where Gabriel, a slave of William Prosser, planned the slave rebellion scheduled for 30 August 1800. Gabriel and his followers plotted to capture Richmond and to demand their freedom. The attack never took place because a turbulent thunderstorm made roads and bridges to the city impassable. Governor James Monroe, learning of the plot, mustered the militia. Eventually, most of the conspirators were captured and twenty-six slaves were executed.