West Point in King William County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Mt. Nebo Baptist Church
African Americans held worship services in a nearby railroad toolshed during the Civil War. Jesse Dungee, later a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, organized the congregation (now known as Mt. Nebo) in 1866. The Gothic-Revival style sanctuary was built in 1887. During a boycott of West Point's segregated schools in 1952, attorney Oliver W. Hill told a large audience here that challenging the separate-but-equal doctrine was "worth going to jail for." Eight parents were later convicted of violating Virginia's compulsory school attendance law. In 1957 the Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals ruled in Dobbins v. Commonwealth that this application of the law was unconstitutional.Erected 2016 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number OC-45.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Civil Rights • Education. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1866.
Location. 37°
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Home of Signer (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lt. Gen. Lewis Burwell “Chesty” Puller (about 600 feet away); The Grove Hotel (approx. 0.3 miles away); L. E. Mumford Banking Company (approx. 0.3 miles away); Indians Poisoned At Peace Meeting (approx. 0.3 miles away); Indian Treaty of 1646 (approx. 0.4 miles away); King William County / King and Queen County (approx. 0.4 miles away); Col. John West II (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Point.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 2, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 308 times since then and 83 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 2, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
