Embedded Files
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.
A second historical marker was placed in the summer of 2024
near Shirley Plantation in Virginia!
Published 7/17/2023 in the Daily Press
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."
On October 12, 2024, Stephen Bates family reunion was held in Williamsburg, Virginia to dedicate the second historical marker and to visit Shirley Plantation. A dedicational ceremony was held, a luncheon and then a tour of the Plantation House was given by the family members who live in the house and are descendants of the owners of the plantation when
Stephen Bates was enslaved there.
Video of the Ceremony is below.
For more details and pictures, go to 2024 Reunion .
The Stephen Bates family gives special thanks to the organizers of the dedication of the historical marker and the celebration at the Shirley Plantation and those in Vermont and Virginia who did the extensive research of Stephen Bates story.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse