9112 Spotswood Trail
|
Last updated on March 29, 2024
|
Directions from RiverBank Plantation to site 29:
- From RiverBank, go south on Captain Yancey Rd
- In 2.3 miles turn right onto Island Ford Rd
- In 2.5 miles turn left onto Spotswood Trail
- In 1.0 mile turn left
- The destinations on your left
The history of Blakey Farm is that it is a reminded of African American farmers in the valley. Many Black-owned farms were lost involuntarily due to the absence of a family will upon a family member’s passing. The property of Blakey Farm was brought by George and Josephine Blakey around 1940 for between $6,000 and $7,000. The couple raised their family of 12 on the farm and produced agriculture. Following their passing, their descendants were split on the farm’s future. In 2020, the Heirs’ Property Act was passed in Virginia that “streamline the process of retaining farm properties for those who wish to continue the operation while fairly compensating those who do not.” The descendants of the Blakey family formed an LLC and will keep the farm in the family. It will serve as an educational working farm and provide historic and cultural resources for visitors.
