A process that took years to place in motion finally came to fruition in Dumfries.

In a unanimous vote during last night’s Dumfries Town Council Meeting, the street known as Confederate Court will be renamed Liberty Lane. The motion was presented by Councilwoman Cyndy Neville and seconded by Councilwoman Selonia Miles. During the motion, Neville read the names of those who were enslaved during the 1800’s. Confederate Court was only six feet away from the county jail, located at the intersection of Duke Street and Route 1. In addition, she discussed in vivid detail the stories of how some of the enslaved were purchased in the local tavern, with some running away for their liberation.

“It is time that the town pivots on the right side of the future by dealing with our past,” said Neville.

Public comments were also offered during the meeting, with one woman discussing how she was appalled at the Virginia history books, and how lightly they mentioned the era of slavery, leading to her support for the street name change. Other comments also were in favor of the change to Liberty Lane. Town Manager Keith Rogers Jr. stated that the appropriate signage will be in place this weekend, weather pending.