This program will examine the timeline of the complex and vastly interesting life of Rachel Patton. Rachel Patton was an enslaved woman who's unique role as Mistress of the plantation brings up many questions around race, class, love and slavery. The term "Mistress," meaning the female Master of the plantation, would have been held by the white slave owner's white wife. At the Patton plantation, this position was held by an enslaved African American woman, which would have been highly uncommon during the Antebellum era. From a collection of receipts, the memories of a 90-year-old woman and various court cases we can speculate with some assurance that Rachel Patton was an enduring woman.
This program is included with the cost of admission to the site.