One of America’s wealthiest men freed over 500 enslaved people and he did it from right here in Virginia’s Northern Neck.
In a region known for its founding fathers, few names carry more weight than “Carter.” Robert Carter III, grandson of Robert “King” Carter, inherited vast land holdings and unimaginable wealth, stretching across the Virginia Northern Neck and beyond.
But unlike his predecessors, Robert Carter III chose legacy over power. In 1791, at his Nomini Hall estate in Westmoreland County, he drafted a document known as the “Deed of Gift,” legally freeing more than 500 enslaved individuals, the largest individual manumission in U.S. history before the Civil War.
And he did it quietly. Without spectacle. Without seeking applause.
Why We Tell Stories Like This
Every week, we carve out time to highlight the people, places, and decisions that have shaped our region, not because it’s trendy, but because it’s part of who we are.
We live here. We serve here. And we believe that understanding the heart of the Northern Neck means honoring its full history, especially stories of integrity, sacrifice, and transformation.
At Real Property Management Regions, we believe legacy isn’t just about assets. It’s about impact. And we find inspiration in stories like this, where someone with everything to lose chose instead to do what was right.
Back to Carter’s Legacy
Robert Carter III could have held tighter to his privilege. Instead, he chose conviction over comfort. He saw injustice and did something rare for his time, he changed course.
That same courage to challenge “the way it’s always been done” is something we admire deeply. Whether we’re helping a new landlord figure out their first rental or guiding longtime investors through a tough market, we believe in bold, smart, values-driven decision-making.
We’re proud to share stories like these, not just because they happened here, but because they shape who we strive to be.
Know the Region. Honor the Legacy.
This land is more than geography. It’s legacy, resilience, and bold decisions. Thanks for taking a moment to explore it with us.
Want more local history and insight delivered every Friday? Check out the full series at rpmregions.com/expert-tips.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
