Near Richmond in Henrico County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

St. James Hall and Cemetery

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

1. St. James Hall and Cemetery Marker

Inscription.

In 1876, trustees of the Star of Benevolence society purchased this five-acre plot for the benefit of the African American community of Varina Grove. A two-story lodge was built on the property, and the surrounding grounds were used as a burial ground. At some point early in its history, the hall and cemetery became known as St. James. The earliest burials in the cemetery date to the late 1800s; but with several unmarked graves, it is probable that earlier interments exist. The lodge was razed in 1975, but the burial ground still serves the community today.

Erected 2023 by County of Henrico. (Marker Number HC-49.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Civil Rights. A significant historical year for this entry is 1876.

Location. 37° 27.018′ N, 77° 22.449′ W. Marker is near Richmond, Virginia, in Henrico County. It is on Saint James Road 0.3 miles south of Varuna Road, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1973 St James Rd, Henrico VA 23231, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Piedmont

and in Central Virginia.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

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: St. James School (a few steps from this marker); Fort Harrison (approx. 0.3 miles away); First Successful Colonial Tobacco Crop

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(approx. 0.3 miles away); Fort Gilmer (approx. 0.3 miles away); Hopeless Attacks (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named Fort Gilmer (approx. 0.4 miles away); Richmond Defences (approx. 0.6 miles away); Advancing On Richmond (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Other markers no longer nearby. Black Troops Attack at Chaffin’s Farm (was approx. 0.4 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Richmond Battlefields (was approx. 0.4 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Also see . . . St. James Hall and Cemetery. (Submitted on February 17, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

2. St. James Hall and Cemetery Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 17, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 218 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 17, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.