Newport News, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Newport News First High School

The Home of Christopher Newport University

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, May 4, 2024

1. Newport News First High School Marker

Inscription. The city's first dedicated white public high school building, a three-story edifice of 20 classrooms, opened on this site in September 1899 as the Central School. The level of instruction quickly expanded to include both primary and secondary education offerings. The initial graduating class consisted of a single pupil; the second class had six students. All seven were female.

The school was renamed in 1910 for Civil War veteran and longtime Virginia politician John W. Daniel (1847-1910). Tragedy struck on the evening of June 4, 1913, when the Daniel School burned down. A contemporary image depicted a large crowd watching the blaze. Rebuilding was immediately undertaken. A brick replacement was in use by December 1914, continuing in operation until 1960 for several generations of students.

The school began its second career - serving as the initial home for the embryonic Christopher Newport College from 1961-1965. After a distinguished career of academic excellence, the structure was razed in 1973.

Erected 2024 by Corporation of Newport News, Virginia.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1899.

Location. 36° 58.966′ N, 76° 25.891′ W. Marker is in Newport News

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

, Virginia. It is at the intersection of 32nd Street and Huntington Avenue (U.S. 60), on the right when traveling east on 32nd Street. Marker is in the mulch bed along the exterior fence for the Homeport Hampton Roads apartments. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 216 32nd Street, Newport News VA 23607, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Virginia’s Peninsula,

in Hampton Roads,

in Coastal Virginia,

and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Tidewater.

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: The Apprentice School (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); USS Nimitz (approx. 0.2 miles away); SS United States (approx. 0.2 miles away); USS Newport News (approx. 0.2 miles away); USS Virginia (approx. 0.2 miles away); Dorothy (approx. 0.2 miles away); USS Atlantic (approx. 0.2 miles away); West Avenue Library (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newport News.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 15, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 54 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on February 15, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.