Near Charlottesville in Albemarle County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Henry Martin
1826 - 1915
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 23, 2014
1. Henry Martin Marker
Born in slavery at Monticello on July 4, 1826, the day of Thomas Jefferson's death, Henry Martin worked at the University in various capacities from about 1847 until his retirement in 1910. In late 1868 or early 1869, he was employed as head janitor and bell ringer and continued in that position for the remainder of his time at the University. The University bell hung on the south porch of the Rotunda, but it was destroyed in a fire in 1895. The Chapel bell, hung in the steeple adjacent to this marker, served as its replacement.
Henry Martin rang the bell at dawn to awaken the students, and rang it during the day to mark the hours and the beginning and ending of class periods. He was beloved by generations of faculty, students, and alumni, and he remembered them all when they returned for visits.
Erected 2012 by John H. and Trula Leventis Wright and The I.D.E.A. Fund.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Man-Made Features. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1830.
Location. 38° 2.173′ N, 78° 30.263′ W. Marker is near Charlottesville, Virginia
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. These Garden Walls (within shouting distance of this marker); James Monroe’s First Farm (within shouting distance of this marker); University of Virginia (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Thomas Jefferson Monument (about 300 feet away); Edgar Allan Poe (about 300 feet away); Woodrow Wilson (about 300 feet away); World War I Memorial (about 400 feet away); William Holding Echols (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charlottesville.
Also see . . .
1. University of Virginia. (Submitted on July 20, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Henry Martin Day (2012). (Submitted on July 20, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 23, 2014
2. Henry Martin Marker at University Chapel
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 20, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 873 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 20, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
