Vienna in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Louise Reeves Archer, Principal, 1939-1948
Photographed by T.L. Zagraniski, September 16, 2025
1. Louise Reeves Archer, Principal, 1939-1948 Marker
Louise Archer began her career as teacher and principal in 1922. She worked with two other educators at this site from 1939 until her untimely death in 1948. Mrs. Archer's life's work was to provide an education for African American students in Vienna. A highly respected teacher, she treated her students kindly, while instilling in them the values of discipline and respect. Mrs. Archer taught her students important life skills that would serve them through their lives. In her own words, "Failure in school often discourages children so much that they fail in their life's work..." She continued to support these young women and men as they moved on to higher learning. They were a part of this school, and the school remained a part of them. Louise Archer was so regarded in Vienna that the grieving community petitioned the school board to change the name of the school to Louise Archer School. The board approved the name change in 1950.
To honor the legacy of Louise Archer, may this school continue to be a place where all children are valued and receive an education to prepare them for future success in life.
Given by the Class of 2013 in commemoration of the 75th anniversary in 2014
Erected 2014 by Louise Archer School, Class of 2013.
Topics. This historical marker is listed
this page online
Location. 38° 53.924′ N, 77° 16.643′ W. Marker is in Vienna, Virginia, in Fairfax County. It is on Nutley Street Northwest north of Knoll Street Northwest, on the right when traveling south. The marker stands at the base of the staircase up to the schools main entrance, on the left side of the stairs. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 324 Nutley St NW, Vienna VA 22180, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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, and in the Mid-Atlantic. 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: Louise Archer, Champion for Education (a few steps from this marker); Salsbury Spring (approx. half a mile away); Civil War Star Fort (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Vienna Star Fort (approx. 0.6 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); First Baptist Church of Vienna (approx. 0.7 miles away); Tracks into History (approx. 0.7 miles away); Vienna Station (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vienna.
Photographed by T.L. Zagraniski, September 16, 2025
2. Marker location
Marker is at center-left, bottom of frame. Staircase up to schools main entrance (facing Nutley St) is on the right.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2025, by T.L. Zagraniski of Reston, Va, Usa. This page has been viewed 69 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 16, 2025, by T.L. Zagraniski of Reston, Va, Usa. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
