Harriet and George Brice
Dublin Core
Title
Description
Historical Marker
Seizing Freedom and Facing Challenges
You are standing across the street from land that Harriet Brice, a “free woman of color,” purchased in 1864. Together with her husband, George Brice, she struggled to farm the property during the Civil War. Although we had gained her freedom sometime before 1860, George Brice did not escape slavery until 1861 when he fled to Union lines. In 1863, he joined the 6th Infantry, United States Colored Troops.
Later during the war, George Brice returned to Falls Church and farmed this land as well as the property of absentee landowners in exchange for a portion of what he grew. Like most farmers in the area, the Brices suffered losses when Union troops camped in their fields. In 1871, they filed a claim with the U.S. government for reimbursement for damages. Their claim was approved.
George and Harriet Brice helped buy land for Galloway United Methodist Church in 1867 and are buried in the graveyard. Their descendants have continued to live on their property and attend the church.
“I always tried to belong to the U.S. It was always my principle from that time up to today. I never did anything for the rebels… only when I was obliged to. … I used to have to wait on them. … Of course I was a slave.” — George Brice, 1871
“I am the wife of the claimant. In 1864-65 I lived at Falls Church – right in town. He lived on the piece of land I bought of mine. We had 12 acres of corn destroyed by Sheridan’s cavalry. … They pastured 300 or 400 horses. … There was about 12 tons of it and they fed their sick horses. … We didn’t accumulate anything after they came along and took possession … we just made ourselves content.” — Harriet Brice, 1871
The marker displays two photos captioned George Brice’s Southern Claims Petition (left) Courtesy National Archives & Records Administration and Harriet Brice, on right, with four generations of the Brice family. Courtesy Galloway United Methodist Church Archives.
The Petition reads: To the Honorable Commissioners of Claims,
Under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1871, Washington D.C.
The Petition of George Brice of Falls Church Fairfax County State of Virginia respectfully represents: That he is a citizen of the United States and resides at present at Falls Church Fairfax County Virginia that he has a claim against the United States for: Stores and Supplies taken for the use of the United States Army during the rebellion.
1864 8 Acres Corn 4 Bsh to acre 32 Bsh. # S $160.00
4 acres Hay 2 tons (to acre) 8 tons $25.00. 200.00
4 Acres Oats 15 Bshs acre 19 bhs .50. 30.00
1865 8 Acres Corn 4 bshs to acres 32 Bshs $e. 160.00
Total Value of Property,. $550.00
With walking distance is The Falls Church Episcopal church where the marker to Enslaved People stands at 115 E. Fairfax St. Cement engraved maker inset in brick walkway.
Historical Marker erected by Virginia Civil War Trails