Poplar Lawn in Petersburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Site of McCabe's University School
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, October 11, 2025
1. The Site of McCabe's University School Marker
1865-1895
"You may not all be scholars, but you can all be gentlemen"
"Forsan Et Haec Olim Meminisse Iuvabit"
Erected by his "Old Boys" of Petersburg
1947
Erected 1947 by His "Old Boys" of Petersburg.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education.
Location. 37° 13.321′ N, 77° 24.076′ W. Marker is in Petersburg, Virginia. It is in Poplar Lawn. It is at the intersection of South Sycamore Street (Alternate U.S. 301) and West Fillmore Street, on the right when traveling south on South Sycamore Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 334 South Sycamore St, Petersburg VA 23803, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is 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: Poplar Lawn (a few steps from this marker); Lafayette's Tour (a few steps from this marker); Confederate Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); Drilling Ground (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Earliest Known Public High School for African Americans in Virginia (about 500 feet away); McKenney House (about 500 feet away); Peabody High School (about 700 feet away); First Baptist Church (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Petersburg.
this page online
More about this marker. "Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit" is a Latin phrase from Virgil's Aeneid meaning, "Perhaps someday it will please us to remember even these things". The line is spoken by the hero Aeneas to his men during a time of great hardship and loss to offer them hope and the idea that their current suffering could one someday become a source of strength or a story to tell.
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, October 11, 2025
2. W. Gordon McCabe's Home
McCabe lived 1.5 blocks north of his school, at what is today called the Weddell-McCabe-Chisholm House, shown here.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 98 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 20, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
