Meeting at Fishing Bay Estates and Stingray Point

April 14, 2012

The role of slaves from Middlesex County, Virginia, and vicinity during the Civil War has most often been ignored by historians. However, members of the Middle Peninsula African-American Genealogical and Historical Society (MPAAGHS) are changing that as members research their own family histories during that time period and share their findings with the community. The results of one such effort will take the group to Deltaville for its April 14, meeting. The group will meet at 11 a.m. at Fishing Bay Estates (451A Fishing Bay Road, Deltaville, VA 23043) (map), a complex built on land that was once owned by former slaves. There they will view a private slave exhibition.

After leaving Fishing Bay Estates, the group will travel to Stingray Point, where in the summer of 1861, six Middlesex County slaves emancipated themselves via the Stingray Point Lighthouse and the United States Navy, putting Middlesex County at the forefront of the Civil War contraband movement, an issue of national significance. Finally, the group will visit the Deltaville Maritime Museum for discussion with curator Raynell Smith, about the Museum’s upcoming exhibition on slavery. Persons attending the meeting are encouraged to bring a lunch and linger to enjoy the park-like setting of the Museum following the meeting.

Members of MPAAGHS would like to know more about the six persons who emancipated themselves at Stingray Point. They are David Harris, Miles Hunter, Samuel Hunter, John Hunter, Peter Hunter, and Alexander Franklin. MPAAGHS is seeking persons who are descended from or otherwise related to these six persons.

For further information about MPAAGHS or this meeting, call 804-758-5163. For some history behind the above, click here.

Directions to Fishing Bay Estates for April 14 meeting (map)
From Saluda, VA

  • Take General Puller Highway (Route #33) east toward Deltaville (approx. 17 miles).
  • After passing Deltaville Market, Deltaville branch of BB&T bank and other shops, Turn right onto Fishing Bay Road (7-11/Exxon will be on the corner to your right).
  • Approximately ½ mile on Fishing Bay Road, turn left into the Fishing Bay Estates apartment complex (4 brick buildings in first deep curve).
  • The meeting will be in last building (451A Fishing Bay Road, Deltaville, VA 23043) unless a sign to contrary is posted.

From Whitestone, VA

  • From Whitestone, VA, take Route #3 across Rappahannock River to dead end at traffic light.
  • Make left turn onto Route #3/Route #33 and when Rt. #3 veers off to right near Hartfield, stay on Route #33 approx. 8 miles to Deltaville.
  • After passing Deltaville Market, Deltaville branch of BB&T bank and other shops, turn right onto Fishing Bay Road (7-11/Exxon will be to your right)
  • Approximately ½ mile on Fishing Bay Road, turn left into Fishing Bay Estates apartment complex (4 brick buildings in first deep curve).
  • The meeting will be in last building (451A Fishing Bay Road, Deltaville, VA 23043) unless a sign to contrary is posted.