Near West Falls Church in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
James Lee Elementary School
Photographed by Ronald D Anzalone, February 5, 2022
1. James Lee Elementary School Marker
The James Lee Elementary School opened in February 1948. It was built on land purchased in 1866 by African American James Edward Lee (1839-1919) who was born free.
In 1945, James Lee's son sold a portion of the original property to the Fairfax County School Board to build a school for black children. when completed it was the first black school in Fairfax County with indoor plumbing, heating, a classroom for each grade, auditorium, library, cafeteria, and clinic.
The James Lee Elementary School closed in 1966 when Fairfax County integrated its schools. The original building is now part of the James Lee Community Center.
Erected 2021 by Fairfax County History Commission, Fairfax County.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education. In addition, it is included in the Virginia, Fairfax County History Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1948.
Location. 38° 52.45′ N, 77° 10.46′ W. Marker is near West Falls Church, Virginia, in Fairfax County. It is at the intersection of Annandale Road (Virginia
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, in the Mid-Atlantic, and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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: Galloway Methodist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Tinner Hill (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Tinner Hill Historic Site (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Zig Zag Sculpture (approx.
Photographed by Ronald D Anzalone, February 7, 2022
2. James Lee Elementary School Marker along Annandale Road.
Additional commentary.
1. Questioning the date of closure of James Lee Elementary School
I was a (white) elementary school student at Devonshire Elementary in Fairfax County, Va. School System. In my 5th grade year, there was massive construction (addition) at Devonshire and many students were bused to James Lee Elementary School for one school year (I believe only fifth graders). I believe my age would have been 10 or 11 years old. I know I was 12 years old at Devonshire in the 6th grade in 1969. Thus, I would say that the marker stating the school closed in 1966 is inaccurate as it was used as a school in 1967 and/or 1968. I did mention this once to a nice lady giving a tour of James Lee and she knew nothing about white students (like me) attending James Lee. I think for historical purposes, this fact should be verified and mentioned in the records surrounding
Photographed by Ronald D Anzalone, February 5, 2022
3. James Lee Community Center, former school entrance on Annandale Road
— Submitted April 11, 2023, by James E. Edmundson, Sr. of Haymarket, Virginia.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 5, 2022, by Ronald D Anzalone of Falls Church, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,342 times since then and 44 times this year. Last updated on February 7, 2022, by Ronald D Anzalone of Falls Church, Virginia. Photos: 1. submitted on February 5, 2022, by Ronald D Anzalone of Falls Church, Virginia. 2. submitted on February 7, 2022, by Ronald D Anzalone of Falls Church, Virginia. 3. submitted on February 5, 2022, by Ronald D Anzalone of Falls Church, Virginia. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
