For historians and residents alike, understanding the foundation of our communities is a fascinating journey. My current research projects are focused on the lands and people who developed the area encompassing modern-day Buckland, Gainesville, Haymarket, and New Baltimore.
The Land's Beginning
The story begins with the 1724 Broad Run grant—a massive 12,285-acre parcel. Robert “King” Carter, Lord Fairfax’s land agent for the vast Northern Neck Proprietary, acquired this land as an investment for his infant sons, John and Charles Carter.
However, significant settlement was slow to arrive. It wasn’t until about 50 years later, in the 1770s, that two Marylanders purchased large adjacent parcels straddling Broad Run:
- Samuel Love: Purchased the 1,120-acre Buckland Farm on the west side in 1774.
- Reverend Isaac Campbell: Purchased 3,560 acres on the east side in 1775.
Population growth eventually led to the establishment of the region’s first towns: Buckland in 1798 and Haymarket in 1799.
An Empty Map
The sparse settlement of the region in 1759 is starkly illustrated by a historical map drawn for the boundary line when Fauquier County was carved out from Prince William County.
The early history of these Broad Run and Fairfax grants is further detailed in a short, informative video.
Seeking Research Pointers
I would greatly appreciate any tips and pointers to research sources to help expand on this history! I am particularly interested in information regarding the early area families named Campbell, Tyler, Macrae, and Hunton.