Near Cochran in Brunswick County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Nellie Pratt Russell

(1890–1979)

Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 20, 2017

1. Nellie Pratt Russell Marker

Inscription. Nellie Pratt Russell, educator, attended Howard University and was one of six incorporators of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the first Greek letter organization founded by African American women. The sorority, established in 1908, was incorporated in Jan. 1913, preserving its traditions and securing its right to charter new chapters. In 1931 Russell earned a Master of Arts degree from Teachers College, Columbia University. For about 50 years, she taught English at the Saint Paul Normal and Industrial School (later Saint Paul’s College), where she helped found Gamma Lambda Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha. Russell led women’s organizations in the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia.

Erected 2016 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number S-92.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Women. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.

Location. 36° 50.244′ N, 77° 54.836′ W. Marker is near Cochran, Virginia, in Brunswick County.

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Marker is at the intersection of Christanna Highway (Virginia Route 46) and Boydton Plank Road (U.S. 1), on the right when traveling south on Christanna Highway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Alberta VA 23821, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Fort Christanna (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Brunswick Courthouse (about 500 feet away); Southside Virginia Community College (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rev. Jesse C. Byrd D.D. (approx. 1.9 miles away); Oak Grove School (approx. 1.9 miles away); Saint Paul’s Chapel School (approx. 2.6 miles away); Danieltown (approx. 5.3 miles away); Sturgeon Creek (approx. 5½ miles away).

Also see . . . Wikipedia Entry. “To be closer to her mother after her father’s death, Nellie Pratt moved to Lawrenceville, Virginia to teach at St. Paul Normal and Industrial School (now St. Paul’s College). It was a historically black college.” “She devoted great energy to her career as an educator, teaching English at St. Paul's College for nearly 50 years. She influenced generations of students, and helped create teachers as excellent as she was.” (Submitted on August 24, 2017.)

Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 20, 2017

2. Nellie Pratt Russell Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 3, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 478 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 24, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.