Manassas, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Manassas Industrial School
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Jennie Dean Memorial
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 30, 2019
1. The Manassas Industrial School / Jennie Dean Memorial
Educational Opportunities for African-Americans were severely limited in Virginia during the late 19th Century. While the doctrine of "separate but equal" facilities for blacks was supposedly law of the land, the reality was very different. African-Americans were continually faced with inferior facilities throughout the South, especially in education. In Northern Virginia, there was no school that met Jennie Dean's goal: to provide black youth with education beyond a rudimentary level along with vocational training.
Miss Dean worked for years to gain support for the school both locally and in northern cities that were home to wealthy philanthropists. Despite limited schooling, her persuasive powers were considerable. She not only secured funds but enlisted the support and advocacy of national figures both black and white. Among the well known and influential supporters Jennie Dean cultivated for her school were Oswald Garrison Villard, grandson of abolitionist publisher William Lloyd Garrison; New Yorkers Emily Howland and Frances Hackley; and steel baron Andrew Carnegie.
Erected by Manassas Museum System, City
this page online
Topics. This historical marker and memorial is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Education.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 44.779′ N, 77° 29.279′ W. Marker was in Manassas, Virginia. It was on Prince William Street west of Wellington Road, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Manassas VA 20110, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker and memorial was in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It was also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 location: Manassas Industrial School for Colored Youth
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 30, 2019
2. The Manassas Industrial School / Jennie Dean Memorial
Other markers no longer nearby. The Manassas Industrial School / Jennie Dean Memorial (has been replaced with this marker); a different marker also named The Manassas Industrial School / Jennie Dean Memorial (has been replaced with this marker); a different marker also named The Manassas Industrial School / Jennie Dean Memorial (has been replaced with this marker); Manassas 1909 (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Credits. This page was last revised on January 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 8, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 225 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 30, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
