Interaction of Castleman’s Road (Rt 603) and Shepherd’s Mill Road (Rt 612)
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Last updated on May 20, 2024
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Directions from Clifton Farm to site 3:
- Return to Clifton Rd and turn left
- In 0.4 mi turn left onto Lord Fairfax Hwy
- In 1 mi, turn right onto Sheperds Mill Rd
- In 3.2 mi, this is the area of site 3
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The African American community of Bristow (Bristo) originated in 1869 when Brister (or Bristol) Holmes purchased land from A.L.P. LaRue. In the 1870 Land Tax Book, Brister appears to own a one-acre lot of land with $50 added for buildings, suggesting a modest dwelling. That year, A.LP. LaRue also sold an acre of land each to Philip Wesher and Robert Jackson. By 1883, other African American landowners included Isaac Holmes, Ezekiel Morris, Beverly Robison, and Scott Robinson, as well as the Alexander, Lewis, and Brown families. These property owners purchased lots in an area described in the deeds as “Brister Station.” As Bristow grew, a public school (ca. 1883) and Bethel Baptist Church (ca. 1928) became centers of community life. Although very few historic structures survive in Bristow, the community’s history was recognized in 2021 with the erection of a Virginia Historical Highway Marker. Many descendants of the earliest settlers were in attendance for the unveiling ceremony.
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