Leesburg in Loudoun County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 10, 2026
1. Historically Black Colleges and Universities Marker
District of Columbia
Howard University - District of Columbia
University of the District of Columbia - District of Columbia
Maryland
Bowie State University - Bowie, Maryland
Coppin State University - Baltimore, Maryland
Morgan State University - Baltimore, Maryland
University of Maryland Eastern Shore - Princess Anne, Maryland
Virginia
Hampton University - Hampton, Virginia
Norfolk State University - Norfolk, Virginia
Virginia State University - Petersburg, Virginia
Virginia Union University - Richmond, Virginia
Virginia University of Lynchburg - Lynchburg, Virginia
Eastablished as early as 1837 up to 1963, HBCU's were founded to educate and serve the African American community during a time of legal segregation. HBCU's, located primarily in the south, provided access to higher education and contributed to the progress of African Americans. In 2020, there were 101 HBCU's located in 19 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights •
this page online
Location. 39° 6.52′ N, 77° 33.345′ W. Marker is in Leesburg, Virginia, in Loudoun County. It can be reached from the intersection of East Market Street (Virginia Route 7) and Sycolin Road Southeast, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 407 E Market St, Leesburg VA 20175, 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 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: Local Loudoun County Heroes (here, next to
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 10, 2026
2. Historically Black Colleges and Universities Marker
Additional commentary.
1. Clarification about VSU on the marker
Virginia State University (VSU)'s main campus is in the unincorporated community of Ettrick, Virginia in southern Chesterfield County. Only a very small portion of the campus stands in the City of Petersburg.
— Submitted January 11, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 11, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 51 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 11, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
