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George Boxley (1780–1865) was an American abolitionist and former slaveholder who allegedly tried to coordinate a rebellion of enslaved people on March 6, 1815, while living in Spotsylvania, Virginia. His plan was based on "heaven-sent" orders to free slaved people. He tried to recruit enslaved people from Orange, Spotsylvania, and Louisa counties to meet at his home with horses, guns, swords and clubs. He planned to attack and take over Fredericksburg and Richmond, Virginia.[1] Lucy, an enslaved woman, informed her owner, and the plot was foiled. Six enslaved people allegedly involved were imprisoned or executed. With his wife's help, Boxley escaped from the Spotsylvania County Jail and, despite a reward, he was never caught.
Boxley fled to Ohio and Indiana, where he was joined by his family. He built a cabin in 1830, the first in Adams Township. He helped escapees, taught school, and supported abolitionism.[1][2] The George Boxley Cabin has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[3]
- ^ a b Virginia Johnson, "African American History in the Rappahannock Region", History Point.org, accessed Apr 12, 2009
- ^ James C. Foley, "Migrants against Slavery in Black and White", review of Philip J. Schwarz, Migrants Against Slavery: Virginians and the Nation], History.net
- ^ "Boxley Cabin Area Will Be Archaeological Focus On Sept. 15" Archived May 18, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, Sheridan Historical Society, Aug 15, 2007, accessed Apr 13, 2009