Beginning in the late 1870s and through the 1880s, former slaves began to take ownership of what would become the Scotland property. At that time, Scotland's approximately 50 families provided a pool of inexpensive labor for nearby farmers. In the mid-1960s, community efforts led to a 100 townhouse development, community center, and the institution of community self-governance which continues to this date. Two principal early families were the Masons and Doves, with descendants still living in the community. [Wikipedia]