On the weekend of October 2, 2021, several family members traveled to Vergennes for the unveiling of the State African American Heritage Trail Marker of Stephen Bates. On Sunday October 3rd, the ceremony for the unveiling of the marker took place in the park with over a hundred townspeople attending in the rain. A proclamation was presented that stated Vermont Governor Scott proclaimed Oct 3, 2021 to be Sheriff Stephen Bates Day in Vermont.
First two paragraphs: "A Charles City County native who was born enslaved on Shirley Plantation in 1842 is being remembered now as the earliest known Black Sheriff in the North. The Virginia Board of Historic Resources recently approved seven new historical markers, including one for Stephen Bates which will be erected sometime next year on Route 5 near his birthplace."