Sutherland in Dinwiddie County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Rocky Branch School
Sutherland, Virginia
— Dinwiddie County —
In 1911 a group of Dinwiddie County’s African-American residents established the Rocky Branch School in Sutherland. The school was a typical two-room schoolhouse. It had been moved from original location across from Ocran Methodist Church on U.S. Route 460 about two miles east of this site. Reading, writing and arithmetic were taught in grades one through seven. Each day school began with a short devotion. Students were also required to recite Bible verses and sing patriotic and gospel songs daily.
Transportation was not provided to the school’s students, resulting in many boys and girls walking four or five miles to school each day. Despite this fact, attendance was always high, and a large percentage of the school’s students continued their education through high school and college.
The school’s heating system consisted of a large potbellied stove in the room for grades one through three and a long cast iron stove for grades four through seven. The boys from the sixth and seventh grade classes had the responsibility of keeping the wood dry by stacking it under the school. Often during the winter students had to huddle around the stove to keep warm during their lessons. Sometimes the teachers would bring soup for the students so they could have a warm meal at lunch.
The school’s wooden floors were oiled with used motor oil to help settle the dust from outside. Water was supplied by a deep well pump located on the right front side of the school. The outhouses were in the rear of the school, separated for males and females.
The school closed in 1963, but the building still stands as a symbol of education to all of its former students.
Erected by Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail®. (Marker Number 16.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Civil Rights • Education. In addition, it is included in the Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1911.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 37° 11.379′ N, 77° 34.423′ W. Marker was in Sutherland, Virginia, in Dinwiddie County. Marker was on Rocky Branch Road (Virginia Route 636) 0.3 miles south of New Cox Road (U.S. 460), on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 6009 Rocky Branch Road, Sutherland VA 23885, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named Rocky Branch School (here, next to this marker); The Battle of Sutherland (approx. 0.7 miles away); Sutherland Station (approx. 0.7 miles away); a different marker also named Sutherland Station (approx. 0.7 miles away); Fork Inn (approx. 0.7 miles away); Engagement at Sutherland Station (approx. ¾ mile away); Appomattox Campaign (Sutherland Station) (approx. 0.8 miles away); Col. John Banister (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sutherland.
More about this marker. On the left are two photos of the school with the captions, “(Right) The original Rocky Branch School Building as it stands today on the grounds of Rocky Branch Church." and "(Below) Rocky Branch School as it appeared c 1930s."
On the lower right is a map of the Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail.
This marker was replaced by a new one also named "Rocky Branch School" (see nearby markers).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. New Marker At This Location also titled "Rocky Branch School".
Also see . . . Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail. Virginia's Retreat (Submitted on January 24, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 24, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,663 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 24, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.