Manassas, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Howland Hall
Built in 1894 with funds from Miss Emily Howland of Sherwood, New York. Howland Hall was the first building erected for use by the Industrial School. In January, 1895 (only four months after its completion) it burned to the ground. Despite this setback, a rebuilt Howland Hall was in use by the end of the year. According to the 1915-1916 school catalog, Howland contained "an attractive dining room with a seating capacity of 150" and was used as a dormitory for female students and teachers. The same catalog advised young ladies to bring "at least two white middy blouses and a good dark-blue serge skirt," the female version of the school uniform. School policy further stated:
The wearing of jewelry and showy dress is discouraged. Girls need no expensive clothing. Their best dress should be their uniforms. How to dress simply, inexpensively, and yet appropriately, is one of the most important lessons the school has to teach.
Manassas Industrial School Catalog, 1915-16
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Communications • Education • Women. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1895.
Location. 38° 44.79′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Jennie Serepta Dean (within shouting distance of this marker); Manassas Industrial School for Colored Youth (within shouting distance of this marker); Campus Model (within shouting distance of this marker);
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 30, 2019
2. Outline of Howland Hall
Plaque is on the right
Other markers no longer nearby. The Manassas Industrial School / Jennie Dean Memorial (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named The Manassas Industrial School / Jennie Dean Memorial (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named The Manassas Industrial School / Jennie Dean Memorial (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named The Manassas Industrial School / Jennie Dean Memorial (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Manassas 1909 (was within
Credits. This page was last revised on March 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 30, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 416 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 30, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
