Brodnax in Brunswick County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Hospital and School of the Good Shepherd
Lawrenceville, Virginia
— Brunswick County —
Though many freed African Americans continued after the Civil War to work the same farms on which they had been slaves, many also left their homes in search of better opportunities elsewhere. Often the sick, elderly and very young were left behind, with no way to care for themselves and thereby placing a burden on local governments. Concerned by the plight of these Americans, Mrs. Pattie Hicks Buford (b. 1836), wife of Judge F.E. Buford, first built “The Chapel in the Woods” to nurse the increasing number of sick and elderly African Americans in her community. In 1883, she built the Church Home for Aged, Infirm and Disabled Colored People, a full-fledged hospital in Brunswick County. The Mission Rooms Bible House in New York initially sponsored the hospital. A few years later, when it withdrew its support, Mrs. Buford often toured the North, visiting with wealthy and influential friends to raise money for her work. In 1891 the hospital was destroyed by fire, but her supporters contributed enough to rebuild it, as well as the School of the Good Shepherd. Mrs. Buford died in 1901. The orphanage and hospital remained in operation until 1907. The hospital has been renovated and is now an inn; the school and orphanage is still standing next door.
Erected by Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail®. (Marker Number 40.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work • Education. In addition, it is included in the Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 36° 44.757′ N, 77° 52.844′ W. Marker was in Brodnax, Virginia, in Brunswick County. Marker was on Pleasant Grove Road (County Route 681) 0.3 miles north of Governor Harrison Parkway (U.S. 58), on the right when traveling north. The marker is at the foot of the driveway to Three Angels Inn Bed & Breakfast. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 236 Pleasant Grove Road, Brodnax VA 23920, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named Hospital and School of the Good Shepherd (here, next to this marker); Goronwy Owen (approx. 1.9 miles away); Brunswick County Courthouse (approx. 2.1 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 2.1 miles away); Col. John Jones (approx. 2.1 miles away); a different marker also named Veterans Memorial (approx. 2.1 miles away); Fort Christanna (approx. 2.1 miles away); The Colonial Dames of America Monument (approx. 2.3 miles away).
More about this marker. On the left of the panel are two photos with the captions:
"(Above) Hospital of the Good Shepherd, built in 1891, as seen in 1975."
"(Left) The Chapel in the Woods - a church and school built in the 1870s. Sketch c.1880."
On the upper right is a photo of "(Above Right) Mrs. Pattie Hicks Buford, c.1880."
On the lower right is a map of CRIEHT locations.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. New Marker At This Location also titled "Hospital and School of the Good Shepherd".
Also see . . . Newly designed Civil Rights in Education signage unveiled at VSU. ANC News 8 website entry (Submitted on April 13, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 26, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 19, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,658 times since then and 88 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 19, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 2. submitted on April 13, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 19, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.