Green Spring Farm
Title
Green Spring Farm
Date
1784 - Present
Description
In 1784, the Moss Family built their home Green Spring on their 540 acres of farmland. Most likely slave labor was involved in building the home. In 1795 John Moss wrote a deed of manumission (emancipation from slavery) for 14 slaves on Green Spring Farm. Their emancipation date depended on their age. Old Sarah and Old Nan were given freedom immediately and support as long as they lived. John had to wait 42 years for freedom. and Sam 44. Each of the enslaved were promised lifetime support upon emancipation. By staggering the emancipations of the enslaved, Moss assured his heirs that there would be a steady work force.
“Know ye that I John Moss of the County of Fairfax and Commonwealth of Virginia being fully satisfied that it is contrary to our bill of rights as well as to our principles and sentiments as a free people and also contrary to common justice to hold and keep in a state of slavery any part of our fellow men…. emancipate and discharge from bondage…. Old Sarah… Old Nan... Harry… Maria... Hannah... Nero... Abram... Fox... Nat... David... John... Sam... Milla... and Sal…. In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this seventh day of September 1795.” “Harry to go out free at the end of seven years from the day and date of this instrument of writing. Maria and Hannah to go out free at the end of eleven years from the date hereof.” ~ Fairfax County Courthouse Deed Book Y-1, p. 69
The list continues with Nero, Abram and Fox to be freed in 18 years, Nat in 20, and Daniel in 27. John must wait 42 years to be free, while Sam must serve another 44. Milla’s freedom was delayed 29 years and Sal’s 35.
“Know ye that I John Moss of the County of Fairfax and Commonwealth of Virginia being fully satisfied that it is contrary to our bill of rights as well as to our principles and sentiments as a free people and also contrary to common justice to hold and keep in a state of slavery any part of our fellow men…. emancipate and discharge from bondage…. Old Sarah… Old Nan... Harry… Maria... Hannah... Nero... Abram... Fox... Nat... David... John... Sam... Milla... and Sal…. In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this seventh day of September 1795.” “Harry to go out free at the end of seven years from the day and date of this instrument of writing. Maria and Hannah to go out free at the end of eleven years from the date hereof.” ~ Fairfax County Courthouse Deed Book Y-1, p. 69
The list continues with Nero, Abram and Fox to be freed in 18 years, Nat in 20, and Daniel in 27. John must wait 42 years to be free, while Sam must serve another 44. Milla’s freedom was delayed 29 years and Sal’s 35.
Creator
John Moss
Source
Fairfax County Park Authority Our Stories and Perspectives Author Debbie Waugh is Historic House Coordinator at Green Spring Gardens. https://ourstoriesandperspectives.com/2018/02/26/freedom-at-green-springsooner-or-later/
“Historians Believe Cemetery Lies Beneath Park” by Dan Eggen, Washington Post, August 13,2000
District
Mason
Location
4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria
Collection
Citation
John Moss, “Green Spring Farm,” Fairfax County African American History Inventory, accessed October 24, 2026, https://fairfaxaahi.centerformasonslegacies.com/items/show/88.