Black Lives Next Door in Fairfax

As was previously stated, more research needs to be done to discover Tolison’s lineage, where her ancestors lived, and where and how much she moved around prior to her landownership in Mt. Vernon district. Thus, researchers can analyze her whereabouts as well as how she influenced the communities around her and how the neighborhoods around her influenced her. However, more can be discovered when looking at what was happening in the area at the time of her gaining land ownership and at the time of her last record of land ownership. Through the Historic Records Center Fairfax County Circuit Court, researchers were able to access her latest recorded tax record in 1910 [2].

When looking at her landownership, it is important to start from the beginning and analyze what was happening in the 1890s, when she acquired her land. As seen in the Fairfax County History book, the land in Mount Vernon district was shared and passed down through many people, before landing in Tolison’s hands [1]. The Fairfax County: A History book explains the land ownership in the Mt. Vernon district from the 1800s up until 1893, exactly. This is relevant considering Tolison first paid tax on her land in 1893. There are no records found of who owned Tolison’s land before her, if anyone did, but this may potentially be some people who could have owned her property or nearby land.

Little is known about Tolison; hence it is difficult to understand her motives for passing on ownership. One theory has to do with the reformatory grounds built close to Mt. Vernon district. The government wanted to build a reformatory for incarcerated individuals in the region nearby and once it was approved by Congress, the citizens were enraged. They were angered by the idea of having criminals so close to their homes, especially considering the historic background and significance of their land. This is especially relebant considering they planned to build the reformatory on the Belvoir or White House tract near the former home and tomb of George Washington at Mount Vernon [3]. Formal and informal protests were filed against the plan [1]. This could have been a reason why Tolison chose to give up land ownership considering the latest record of her paying tax on the land was in 1910 and this plan was enacted in 1910, as well.

Considering the lack of information regarding Tolison’s whereabouts or land ownership past 1910, it is difficult to identify where she went or the exact reasoning behind her disappearance. However, using the resources given, the researcher attempts to fill in the knowledge gaps as tightly as possible. Future research will solidify evidence and provide any missing puzzle pieces.

[1] Nan Netherton, Fairfax County, Virginia: A History (Fairfax: Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, 1978)

[2] Land Tax Record book (1910, 1911), Historic Records Center Fairfax County Circuit Court

[3] FIGHT UP TO CONGRESS: WOMEN WAR EARNESTLY AGAINST PROPOSED REFORMATORY SITE. REASONS GIVEN SENTIMENTAL LOCATION IN COMPARATIVE PROXIMITY TO MOUNT VERNON HOME OF WASHINGTON IS OPPOSED AS A PROFANATION OF HISTORIC ESTATE -- INVESTIGATION TO BE STARTED WITH VIEW TO SELECTING OTHER PROPERTY. (1910, Dec 19). The Washington Post (1877-1922) http://mutex.gmu.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/fight-up-congress/docview/144958130/se-2

By Alaa Guennouni