Near Lawrenceville in Brunswick County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Oak Grove School
Lawrenceville, Virginia
— Brunswick County —
Oak Grove School was originally a one-room log building located here on the grounds of Oak Grove Baptist Church. Between 1923 and 1924, for the sum of $3,000, a new, three-room school was built on the same site. The school is an example of the many community schools created throughout the region and state to help educated and train African Americans.
Oak Grove School was a practical training school that provided students with training in basic skills, trades, farming and home economics. Older students were responsible for helping teach material to the rest of the class. Later, the school served as a segregated elementary school for the community.
The educational opportunities offered at the school were supported by many in the community as well as by the Rev. James Solomon Russell, founder of Saint Paul's Normal and Industrial School, later known as Saint Paul's Normal and Industrial School, later known as Saint Paul's College in Lawrenceville. Russell often visited the school to offer support, encouragement, and help.
Erected by Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail. (Marker Number BR2.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education.
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Location. 36° 48.708′ N, 77° 54.033′ W. Marker is near Lawrenceville, Virginia, in Brunswick County. Marker is on Christanna Highway (Virginia Route 46) 0.1 miles east of Walkers Wood Lane, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 22355 Christanna Hwy, Lawrenceville VA 23868, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Rev. Jesse C. Byrd D.D. (a few steps from this marker); Nellie Pratt Russell (approx. 1.9 miles away); Fort Christanna (approx. 2 miles away); Old Brunswick Courthouse (approx. 2 miles away); Southside Virginia Community College (approx. 2.1 miles away); Saint Paul’s Chapel School (approx. 3.3 miles away); Goronwy Owen (approx. 4˝ miles away); Saint Paul's College and James Solomon Russell-Saint Paul's College Museum (approx. 4.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lawrenceville.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 29, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 29, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 280 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 29, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
