Kitty Foster

Catherine "Kitty" Foster (–1863) was a freed African American woman, notable for having owned property just to the south of the University of Virginia from 1833 until her death in 1863. Her homestead is now a historic site on the campus of the University of Virginia, known as the Foster Site.

Early life in slavery Catherine Foster, who became known as "Kitty," was born enslaved in Albemarle County, Virginia, between 1790 and 1795. The slaver who owned her was likely the white farmer Henry Foster, and later his widow Elizabeth Foster. There is no historical record of her parents and little record of her life in slavery. It was very rare for African American women to own property at this time. She lived on the homestead for 30 years, making a living as a seamstress and washing clothes for students and faculty at the university. This practice was the subject of criticism from the school's proctor and other authorities at the university, who resented the presence of free African Americans. Since 2011, her homestead has been a memorial and historic site on the campus of the University of Virginia, known as the Foster Site.