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

St. James School

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

1. St. James School Marker

Inscription. This two-room schoolhouse served the African American community of Varina Grove from around 1910 until around 1955. African American landowners, John and Polly Jeter, purchased the adjacent 37 acres in 1873 and set aside one acre for the construction of a school-house. In 1899, the Varina School District purchased the lot and eventually built the school. The existence of a St. James school in Varina dates to at least 1887. before the construction of the existing building. It is possible that there was an earlier structure on the site or that classes were held at the St. James lodge across the street.

Erected 2023 by County of Henrico. (Marker Number HC-50.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1910.

Location. 37° 27.012′ N, 77° 22.45′ W. Marker is in Varina, Virginia, in Henrico County. It is on St. James Road 0.3 miles south of Varina Road, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1973 St James Road, Henrico VA 23231, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Piedmont,

in Central Virginia,

and in the Richmond Metropolitan Area.

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 Hall and Cemetery (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. 0.4 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 Varina.

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 . . .
1. St. James School. (Submitted on February 17, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Cornerstone of Virginia community’s history is ‘an accomplishment and a testament,’ descendant. (Submitted on February 17, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

2. St. James School Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 17, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 205 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 17, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.