Born: c. 1790 (Albemarle County, Virginia)
Died: 1863 (Albemarle County, Virginia)
Biography:
Catherine Kitty Foster (c. 1790–1863) was a freed African American woman who made a significant impact in her community through her resilience and determination. Notably, she owned property just south of the University of Virginia from 1833 until her death in 1863, leaving a lasting legacy in the form of the Foster Site, now a historic landmark on the university campus.
Kitty Foster was born into slavery in Albemarle County, Virginia, between 1790 and 1795. While little is known about her early life, it is believed that she was owned by Henry Foster, a white farmer, and later by his widow, Elizabeth Foster. The absence of historical records about her parents further highlights the challenges faced by enslaved individuals to preserve their family history.
Eventually, Foster obtained her freedom and embarked on a new chapter of her life. In the early 1800s, she gave birth to several children, including Sarah, German Evans, and Burwell Evans. By 1820, Foster was living as a renter in Canada, Virginia, an African American community that defied the legal mandate for newly freed African Americans to leave the state within a year of gaining their freedom. Interestingly, the 1830 federal census listed her as white, potentially suggesting that she had a light-skinned complexion due to being fathered by a white man.
In December 1833, Foster made a remarkable step forward in asserting her independence by purchasing just over 2 acres of land from John Winn, a white merchant, and his wife Mary. It was highly uncommon for African American women to own property during this era, highlighting the exceptional nature of Foster’s achievement. She would spend the next three decades residing on the homestead, supporting herself as a seamstress and washing clothes for students and faculty at the University of Virginia.
Despite her hard work and self-sufficiency, Foster faced resistance and prejudice from the university. The proctor and other university authorities resented the presence of free African Americans in close proximity to the institution, leading to criticism of Foster’s livelihood. In 1834, her home became the target of disorderly students who threw flower pots and attempted to invade her property. Three years later, she was accused of harboring firearms belonging to students who were prohibited from carrying them on campus.
The value of Foster’s property increased significantly over the years, reflecting her perseverance and success. In 1850, it was assessed at $450, a substantial amount for that time. By 1860, its value had risen to $4,000, a testament to Foster’s astute investments and hard work.
After a life dedicated to overcoming obstacles and carving her path, Kitty Foster passed away in 1863. She was likely buried in a community graveyard on her land, surrounded by the memories of her time spent there. Her family continued to inhabit the property for three more generations, all led by strong women, until 1906.
Kitty Foster’s story serves as an inspiration, showcasing the resilience and determination of an African American woman who defied societal expectations and became a landowner during a time of immense discrimination. Her achievement challenges the prevailing narrative of the era and highlights the impact of individuals like Foster on women’s history and the struggle for equality.