Housing at Israel Hill
STEPS, Virginia Supportive Housing (VSH), and the Robert Russa Moton Museum are asking for your input on an exciting new housing initiative on land previously attributed to the Israel Hill community in the Town of Farmville.
STEPS is purchasing 48 acres of land on Layne Street for VSH to build supportive housing for the homeless of our region, and for other housing initiatives like single family homes.
Israel Hill, settled in 1810-1811 by approximately ninety formerly enslaved persons who received freedom and 350 acres from Judith Randolph under the will of her husband, Richard Randolph, cousin of Thomas Jefferson. These "Israelites" and other free African Americans worked as farmers, craftspeople, and Appomattox River boatmen; some labored alongside whites for equal wages and defended their rights in court.
Want to learn more about Israel Hill? Check out these resources!
From Ely to Griffin: The Forgotten Black History of Farmville
Ely to Griffin Part 2: Where are we heading
The Negroes of Farmville, Virginia: A Social Study
Source: Robert Russa Moton Museum, Farmville Virginia
View More Site Plans for Israel Hill Housing Project (PDF)
We Want to Hear from You!
We want community input on how to honor the history and accomplishments of the formerly enslaved members of the Israel Hill community also known as “Israelites.”
Honoring them can include naming of facilities/roads, a history walking trail, and other ways to observe their history.
We also want community input on the development of the remaining acres after Virginia supportive housing multi-unit apartments are built and single-family home lots are used.
Fill out the questionnaire below to let your voice be heard!