Gum Springs Community

Gum Springs Community

1833

West Ford purchased a 214-acre farm in this area in 1833. He was formerly enslaved by the Washington Family and worked as a carpenter and estate manager. He subdivided his property among his children. Others moved into the neighborhood and the land was again subdivided and sold. In the 1890s, the Joint Stock Company which sold lots was formed by community members. Fraternal organizations, churches and a school helped fuel the growth of the community.
“Gum Springs is the oldest African American Community in Fairfax County, formally established in 1833. West Ford, a former slave, founded the community after he was freed by Hannah Bushrod Washington in 1805.
Located close to the Mount Vernon Estate, the community was a sanctuary for freedmen and runaways. Samuel Taylor, a runaway slave established the first institution in Gum Springs, The Bethlehem Baptist church. Assisted by Quakers, the first school was established at Bethlehem”.

West Ford

A history of Gum Springs, Virginia: a report of a case of leadership in a Black enclave. By Judith Saunders Burton 975.529 B, Fairfax County Public Library

Gum Springs: The Triumph of a Black Community by John Terry Chase. 975.529 C, Fairfax County Public Library

Mount Vernon

The Community sits at the intersection of Fordson Rd. and Sherwood Hall Lane, spreading toward Richmond Highway and Parkers Lane

Courtesy of www.mountvernon.org