Boydton in Mecklenburg County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Boydton Academic and Bible Institute
Boydton, Virginia
— Mecklenburg County —
Boydton Academic and Bible Institute was opened in 1879 in building that had been abandoned by Randolph-Macon College when it moved to Ashland in 1868. Dr. Charles Cullis, a humanitarian from Boston, purchased the property in 1878 and opened the school with the partial purpose of training African-American preachers and teachers.
Cullis sent Mr. and Mrs. Sharpe to Boydton to operate the school. Mr. Sharpe, having poor health, died not long after their arrival, and Mrs. Helen Bradford Sharpe, his wife, took over and became the guiding hand of the Institute for more than 30 years.
The school consisted a large four-story brick building, a two-story house and 425 acres of land. A boarding department was added and courses offered on the secondary level.
In 1910 the school was purchased by the Christian Alliance of New York City. It was operated by the Alliance until 1916 when the school was forced to close due to lack of support. Shortly afterward, the property was transferred to an alumni board of trustees, who reopened it using tuition fees and private contributions. The new school had four years of high school courses added to the curriculum, and in 1927 the first high school class graduated. After 1922 high school subjects were dropped. The school continued to operate as an elementary school until 1935, when it was permanently closed. As a result of the efforts of Dr. Cullis, Mrs. Sharpe and others, Boydton institute produced many of Mecklenburg County’s finest teachers and ministers of the past century.
Erected by Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail®. (Marker Number 37.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Education • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1879.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 36° 39.773′ N, 78° 24.359′ W. Marker was in Boydton, Virginia, in Mecklenburg County. Marker was on Highway Fifty Eight (U.S. 58) 0.1 miles east of Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Boydton VA 23917, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this location, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named Boydton Academic and Bible Institute (a few steps from this marker); Taylor's Ferry (a few steps from this marker); Old Randolph-Macon College (a few steps from this marker); A Revolutionary Soldier (within shouting distance of this marker); Boydton and Petersburg Plank Road (within shouting distance of this marker); Esso Gas Station (approx. one mile away); Monument to Confederate Soldiers of Mecklenburg (approx. one mile away); Boydton (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Boydton.
More about this marker. On the left are three photos with the captions:
"(Top Left) The Steward's Hall was not only the dining hall, it was the center of social affairs during Commencements."
"(Bottom Left) The main building."
"(Below) The graduating class of 1906."
On the right is a photo with the caption, "(Right) The Boydton Academic and Bible Institute campus."
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. New Marker At This Location also titled "Boydton Academic and Bible Institute".
Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 19, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,865 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 19, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.