Historical Marker Honors Community Role in Revolutionary War

A new highway marker is highlighting the role the Charlottesville and Albemarle County community played in the Revolutionary War.

Virginia Department of Historic Resources dedicated the marker on Saturday at the entrance to the Barracks Equestrian Center in Charlottesville.

According to the highway marker, 4,000 British troops and German mercenaries captured following the Battle of Saratoga in New York arrived there after marching from Massachusetts in January 1779.

Most prisoners lived in primitive huts spread out over several hundred acres of the barracks camp. Supplying and guarding the prisoners taxed the resources of the community and militia for two years.

Dr. Phil Williams with the Sons of the American Revolution said, "It's maybe the greatest story never told about Charlottesville history and so I am thrilled that we will now immortalize this story and this is available not only to the local residents here in Charlottesville, but those that are visiting."

The marker is located on Barracks Farm Road.