Madden family all about the community

Back on the road again! The foray on our journey east from Culpeper to the county line stopped recently at the intersection of Young’s Lane and Maddens Tavern Road. This area is locally known as Maddensville; a vibrant African-American community deserving of more than just a drive by.

More often than not communities claimed the name of either the founding or dominate family and Maddensville was no exception.

The village is named for the Maddens, a free black family who trace their early roots to Ireland and a matriarch by the name of Mary. Much has been written about the Maddens of Culpeper including “Madden’s Tavern” and “We were Always Free” both authored by T.O. Madden, Jr.

Willis Madden, the grandson of Mary the Irish immigrant, bought the land in 1835 and with the help of his sons built a tavern about 1852, known to all as Madden’s Tavern.

The tavern was well situated between Fredericksburg and Culpeper and could accommodate both man and beast. With only one or two rooms available for overnight lodging in the house, most visitors camped out beside their wagons, supplies and livestock in the vast wagon yard. Seems to me it might be likened to today’s campground and RV set.

Travelers had the option of buying a meal from the Maddens or cooking their own in the yard. Supplies could be purchased from the general store and if needed equipment repairs from the blacksmith and wheelwright. It was one-stop shopping at its best.

Though encumbered by numerous restrictions applied only to blacks, free or not, the Maddens enjoyed a successful business.

Ironically, this black owned business sustained significant damage from the Union troops during the Civil War. Official records reveal Willis Madden’s claim for compensation in the amount of $2,441.15. In 1873, he was awarded $879, not nearly enough to rebuild. After the Civil War ended in 1865, the tavern was never reopened for business.

The Maddens turned to farming full time and established one of the leading dairy farms in the area. The tavern may have ceased to be a respite for travelers but remained a place of comfort for the Madden’s friends and family.

Farming was their livelihood but “community” was their passion with particular focus on nurturing the spirit and the intellect.

On August 29, 1867, the Madden family welcomed the founding congregation of Ebenezer Baptist Church to their home. The original church a 20-by-20 foot structure was built on land donated by Willis Madden and served a dual purpose as church and school. After losing the church to fire in 1884, the current-day building was erected in 1886 just across the road.

For the Maddens it was as important to feed the mind as the soul and to that end education for black children was a vital commodity in the Maddensville community. There was a school at Maddensville and another a little farther east at Lignum; Maddens would teach at both.

Today, the primary road to Fredericksburg has bypassed the history-rich Maddensville community. School buildings have disappeared, old roads have been abandoned and new ones engineered. The old tavern still owned by the Madden family remains as a testament to one family’s commitment to the integrity of its community.

Until next week, be well.