Jackson Ward in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Leigh Street Armory
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, April 18, 2016
1. Leigh Street Armory Marker
Inscription.
Leigh Street Armory. . In 1895, the city of Richmond constructed the Leigh Street or First Battalion Virginia Volunteers Armory, the nation’s only 19th-century armory built for an African American militia. Several decades of noteworthy performance by Virginia’s black militia combined with tireless lobbying by Richmond Planet editor John Mitchell, Jr., contributed to the city’s decision to fund the armory. After 1899, when Virginia’s governor disbanded black militia units, the armory served until 1981 primarily as a school for black children: Monroe Elementary School, Colored Special School, Graves Junior High School annex, and Armstrong High School annex. During World War II, it served as a reception center for black soldiers.
In 1895, the city of Richmond constructed the Leigh Street or First Battalion Virginia Volunteers Armory, the nation’s only 19th-century armory built for an African American militia. Several decades of noteworthy performance by Virginia’s black militia combined with tireless lobbying by Richmond Planet editor John Mitchell, Jr., contributed to the city’s decision to fund the armory. After 1899, when Virginia’s governor disbanded black militia units, the armory served until 1981 primarily as a school for black children: Monroe Elementary School, Colored Special School, Graves Junior High School annex, and Armstrong High School annex. During World War II, it served as a reception center for black soldiers.
Erected 2012 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number SA-102.)
Location. 37° 32.996′ N, 77° 26.489′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in the Jackson Ward. Marker is at the intersection of West Leigh Street (Virginia Route 33) and St Peter Street
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, on the right when traveling west on West Leigh Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 122 W Leigh St, Richmond VA 23220, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 18, 2016, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 704 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on April 18, 2016, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.