Jackson Ward in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Officer Vernon L. Jarrelle
Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 3, 2017
1. Officer Vernon L. Jarrelle Marker
Two others were arrested for his murder and for robbery of the Food Stamp Distribution Center.
Erected by the Fraternal Order of Police John Marshall Lodge #2, and presented to the Virginia Fire and Police Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Law Enforcement. A significant historical date for this entry is August 1, 1873.
Location. 37° 32.859′ N, 77° 26.574′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in the Jackson Ward. Marker is at the intersection of West Marshall Street and Brook Road, on the right when traveling west on West Marshall Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 W Marshall St, Richmond VA 23220, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Maggie Lena Walker Memorial (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Samuel Preston Moore (about 800 feet away); “I must save the women of Richmond!” (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of J. E. B. Stuart's Death (approx. 0.2 miles away); Leigh Street Armory
this page online
More about this marker. The marker is at a 1883 building built to house a combination fire house and police station. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. It later housed a Food Stamp distribution office, the Fire & Police Museum, and now it is home to Gallery5, an arts center.
Regarding Officer Vernon L. Jarrelle. “Patrolman Jarrelle had served with the Richmond Police Department for only two years. He was recognized as the Rookie of the Year the previous year. He was survived by his wife and daughter.” —Richmond Police Department Website
Also see . . .
1. Richmond Police Department Page for Patrolman Vernon Jarrelle. “When the two suspects entered the distribution center one of them approached Patrolman Jarrelle at gunpoint and told him not to move. Perceiving an opportunity, Patrolman
Photograph via the Richmond Police Department Website
2. Patrolman Vernon Jarrelle
“As they fled, the suspect who shot Patrolman Jarrelle stepped over him, believing he was dead. Despite being mortally wounded, Patrolman Jarrelle was able to fire one shot and killed the suspect.” (Submitted on September 30, 2017.)
2. Steamer Company Number Five building, Jackson Ward - A Brief History. 2009 article by Selden Richardson in The Shockhoe Examiner. This article has some vintage photographs of the building. “This municipal presence meant that for decades Steamer Company Number 5 was the one place in Jackson Ward that was alive and manned around the clock, whose windows were always alight and where help could always be found day and night. There would have always been firemen on duty, and until 1898, a continuous police presence upstairs with patrolmen going in and out on their rounds. It was a polling station and a lockup, with four jail cells in the back of the Third Precinct Station. Generations of residents of Jackson Ward would have relied on the services available at Brook and Marshall, reporting crimes and fires and a thousand other smaller problems of city life.” (Submitted on September 30, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.)
Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 3, 2017
3. Officer Vernon L. Jarrelle Marker
Marker is to the right of the main door. The small black sign to its left reads “Gallery5, 200 West Marshall Street”.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 3, 2017
4. Steamer Company No. 5 Building, 200 W Marshall Street in Richmond’s Jackson Ward
Brock Road, on the right, intersects W. Marshall Street at an angle. The Italianate style building is covered in stucco scored to simulate stone. Marker can be seen to the right of the double doors.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 30, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 422 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 30, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
