Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail Historical Markers
This set of markers, placed by Virginias Retreat, highlights the evolution of Civil Rights in Southside Virginia in the years from the Civil War into the 20th Century.
Amelia County is largely indebted to one woman for bringing formal education and religion to African Americans after the Civil War. In 1865 Mrs. Samantha Jane Neil left her home in Pennsylvania to search for her husbands body. He had been a . . . — — Map (db m20239) HM
Amelia County is largely indebted to one woman for bringing formal education and religion to African Americans after the Civil War. In 1865 Mrs. Samantha Jane Neil left her home in Pennsylvania to search for her husband's body. He had been a . . . — — Map (db m180249) HM
Russell Grove Presbyterian Church and the Russell Grove School were established as a result of the efforts of Mrs. Samantha Jane Neil, a Presbyterian missionary and teacher of African-American children after the Civil War. At first the school . . . — — Map (db m28927) HM
Russell Grove Presbyterian Church and the Russell Grove School were established as a result of the efforts of Mrs. Samantha Jane Neil, a Presbyterian missionary and teacher of African American children after the Civil War. At first the school . . . — — Map (db m180251) HM
In 1929-30 the Appomattox training school was built on this site with funds raised by Mozella Price, who served as Supervisor of Appomattox Counter Negro Schools from 1919 to 1963. It was a cinder block building, employing four teachers. At the . . . — — Map (db m29969) HM
In 1929-30, the Appomattox County Training School was built on this site with funds raised by Mozella Jordan Price, who served as the supervisor of Appomattox County Negro Schools from 1919 to 1963. It was a cinder-block building employing . . . — — Map (db m181143) HM
Before and during the Civil War, educational opportunities in Rural Virginia were often limited. The wealthier families employed a tutor or sent their children to boarding academies such as the nearby Union Academy. In such schools students . . . — — Map (db m169313) HM
The first school for African Americans in Appomattox County began near here. Before the Civil War's end, educational opportunities in rural Virginia were often limited for White residents and practically nonexistent for African Americans, . . . — — Map (db m181152) HM
Mozella Jordan Price was instrumental in improving the education and quality of life for African Americans in Appomattox County. Mrs. Price was educated in Farmville schools, attended Boydton Institute, Virginia State College, and earned a . . . — — Map (db m29971) HM
Mozella Jordan Price was instrumental in improving the education and quality of life for African Americans in Appomattox County. Mrs. Price was educated in Farmville schools and attended Boydton Institute and Virginia State College (now known . . . — — Map (db m181146) HM
Southside Virginia Community College has two campuses: the Christanna Campus in Alberta, which opened in 1970, and the John H. Daniel campus in Keysville, which opened in 1971. The college is part of the statewide system of community colleges . . . — — Map (db m30868) HM
Southside Virginia Community College has two campuses: the Christanna Campus in Alberta, which opened in 1970, and the John H. Daniel Campus in Keysville, which opened in 1971. The college is part of the statewide system of community colleges . . . — — Map (db m180538) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m180524) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m30873) HM
In 1714, at Governor Alexander Spotswoods urging, the Virginia General Assembly funded the Virginia Indian Company, charged with building a fort on the banks of the Meherrin River in what would become Brunswick County. The fort would provide . . . — — Map (db m20197) HM
In 1714, working through the Virginia Indian Company, Gov. Alexander Spotswood initiated the construction of First Christanna on a bank of the Meherrin River. This fort served several important purposes. The Indian Company received a monopoly . . . — — Map (db m180523) HM
Oak Grove School was originally a one-room log building located here on the grounds of Oak Grove Baptist Church. Between 1923 and 1924, for the sum of $3,000, a new, three-room school was built on the same site. The school is an example of . . . — — Map (db m180530) HM
Saint Pauls College began as a small parochial school founded by a newly ordained Episcopal deacon, the Rev. James Solomon Russell. Born into slavery, Russell attended seminary school in Petersburg. Within a year of graduation he had managed . . . — — Map (db m30870) HM
Saint Paul's College began as a small parochial school founded by a newly ordained Episcopal deacon, the Rev. James Solomon Russell. Born into slavery, Russell attended the Bishop Payne Divinity School in Petersburg. Within a year of graduation, . . . — — Map (db m180528) HM
Union Grove School is representative of the many one-room schools for African-American students in Buckingham County and throughout the area. The African-American members of the community built Union Grove around 1925, and like most schools, . . . — — Map (db m21148) HM
Union Grove School is representative of the many one-room school for African American students that could be found in the first half of the 20th century in Buckingham County and the surrounding area. The African American members of the . . . — — Map (db m181212) HM
The Buckingham Training School sits on 9.25 acres and was established as a result of Stephen J. Ellis' longtime efforts to establish a secondary school for African American students in the Buckingham County area. Ellis first organized the . . . — — Map (db m181214) HM
North of this sign is the birthplace of Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Dr. Woodson was born December 19, 1875, to former slaves, James Henry and Eliza Ann Riddle Woodson. Young carter left Buckingham to work in West Virginia when he was 17 years old. . . . — — Map (db m31608) HM
North of this sign is the birthplace of Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Dr. Woodson was born December 19, 1875, to former slaves James Henry and Eliza Ann Riddle Woodson. Young Carter left Buckingham to work in West Virginia when he was 17 years old. . . . — — Map (db m181221) HM
Central High School opened in 1939 as Charlotte County's first African American high school. Before its construction, African American students attended the Charlotte Training School, which had been built between 1928 and 1929 with . . . — — Map (db m182502) HM
Beginning in 1937, Ambassador and Mrs. David K. E. Bruce anonymously gave money to 11 sites in Southside Virginia to build libraries. The Bruce libraries, as they were called, became the first public libraries to allow access to African . . . — — Map (db m31019) HM
Beginning in 1937, Ambassador and Mrs. David K.E. Bruce anonymously gave money to 11 sites in Southside Virginia to build libraries. The Bruce libraries, as they were called, became the first public libraries to allow access to African . . . — — Map (db m182496) HM
Southside Virginia Community College has two campuses: the Christanna Campus in Alberta, which opened in 1970, and the John H. Daniel campus in Keysville, which opened in 1971. The college is part of the statewide system of community colleges . . . — — Map (db m31025) HM
Southside Virginia Community College has two main campuses: the Christanna Campus in Alberta, which opened in 1970, and the John H. Daniel Campus in Keysville, which opened in 1971. The college is part of the statewide system of community . . . — — Map (db m180617) HM
After the Civil War, in the Red Oak area of Charlotte County, many freed slaves were welcomed to worship at Antioch Baptist Church, a traditionally white church. The Antioch congregation helped raise money to build Salem Baptist Church in . . . — — Map (db m30999) HM
After the Civil War, in the Red Oak area of Charlotte County, many freed slaves were welcomed to worship at Antioch Baptist Church, a traditionally white church. The Antioch congregation helped raise money to build Salem Baptist Church in . . . — — Map (db m182464) HM
Virginia State University was chartered by the Virginia legislature in 1882 as the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute. Delegate Alfred W. Harris, an African-American attorney in Petersburg, championed the charter and supported it . . . — — Map (db m26005) HM
Virginia State University was chartered by the Virginia legislature in 1882 as the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute. Delegate Alfred W. Harris, an African American attorney in Petersburg, championed the charter and supported it . . . — — Map (db m180147) HM
Parents in the Cartersville area of Cumberland County met in 1909 to discuss the need for a centralized high school to replace the one-room schools serving white children in the area at that time. The county Superintendent of Schools led the . . . — — Map (db m31609) HM
Julius Rosenwald, a former president of Sears, Roebuck & Co., continued the efforts made by numerous philanthropists to bring education to African Americans in the South. During the early 1900s, funding for schools was scarce; the South had half . . . — — Map (db m21159) HM
Jackson Davis, an educational reformer and amateur photographer, was born in Cumberland County, VA, to William Anderson and Sally Wyatt (Guy) Davis on September 25, 1882. He attended the public schools of Richmond, VA, and received his B.A. . . . — — Map (db m21150) HM
Jackson Davis, an educational reformer and amateur photographer, was born in Cumberland County, VA, to William Anderson and Sally Wyatt (Guy) Davis on September 25, 1882. He attended the public schools of Richmond, VA, and received his BA . . . — — Map (db m171696) HM
Prior to the Civil War, Dinwiddie County was home to several private academies for those who could afford to pay for their education. While it was mostly affluent males who were educated, Pegrams Academy, Female Academy, Girard Heartwell . . . — — Map (db m26834) HM
Prior to the Civil War, Dinwiddie County was home to several private academies for those who could afford to pay for their education. While it was mostly affluent males who were educated, Pegram's Academy, Female Academy, Girard Heartwell's . . . — — Map (db m180010) HM
Dinwiddie's Southside High School was started in 1908 as Dinwiddie Normal and Industrial School and was owned by the operated by the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Zion Church. The only school in the area for African Americans for several . . . — — Map (db m180012) HM
In 1938 the Virginia Assembly chartered a residential care facility for mentally retarded African-American males between 8 and 21 years of age. The Petersburg State Colony for the Negro Insane, as it was named, was located on the present site . . . — — Map (db m23455) HM
In 1938 the Virginia General assembly chartered a residential care facility of African American males aged 8-21, with mental disabilities. The Petersburg State Colony for the Negro Insane, as it was named was located on the present site of . . . — — Map (db m180086) HM
In 1911 a group of Dinwiddie Countys 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 . . . — — Map (db m26833) HM
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 its original location across the Ocran Methodist Church . . . — — Map (db m180077) HM
The Greensville County Training School (GCTS) began sometime before 1912 as a small wood-frame building and went on to contribute to African American education in Emporia for more than 50 years. An addition in 1929 resulted in GCTS being one . . . — — Map (db m180459) HM
Mountain Road School No. 1 was built around 1919 for Black students in the Halifax, VA, community. Following the closing of the school, the building was used for a variety of purposes before it was remodeled and opened to the public as the . . . — — Map (db m181111) HM
In 1872 the Banister Baptist Association built a private African-American training school in Halifax County. Originally the campus consisted of four wooden buildings and a dormitory. The school year was six months, and the grades went only as . . . — — Map (db m30988) HM
The Banister Baptist Association built a private African American training school in 1827, originally consisting of four wooden buildings and a dormitory. The school met only six months of the year and went through ninth grade. Because of . . . — — Map (db m181109) HM
Caleb Robinson was born in Jamaica in 1864 and educated at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia. In 1893 he formed the McKinley Institute on land he purchased in the Meadville section of Halifax County. He imported northern teachers . . . — — Map (db m30991) HM
The Mead Community Center is the realization of a dream of Caleb Robinson, who imagined an African American gathering place to enhance and educate the community. Professor Robinson was born in Jamaica in 1864 and graduated from Virginia Union . . . — — Map (db m181113) HM
Many churches in the second half of the 19th century and early part of the 20th century helped fill African Americans need for schooling. Frequently the church would raise funds to build the school, with county governments occasionally . . . — — Map (db m30961) HM
Many churches in the second half of the 19th century and early part of the 20th century helped fill African Americans' need for schooling. Frequently, a church would raise funds to build a school, with county governments occasionally offering . . . — — Map (db m181077) HM
Determined to provide elementary education for young African Americans, the Rev. Parham B. Ragland started a school in his backyard some time around 1875. Though the "Backyard School" was private, Rev. Ragland was able to garner financial . . . — — Map (db m30970) HM
Determined to provide elementary education for young African Americans, the Rev. Parham B. Ragland started a school in his backyard sometime around 1875. Though the "Backyard School" was private, Rev. Ragland was able to garner financial . . . — — Map (db m181107) HM
In 1880 a German Lutheran minister, the Rev. W. R. Buehler, a well-educated man who had worked for five years as a missionary in Africa, moved with his family to Green Bay, Virginia. He had not been in Green Bay long when the black community, . . . — — Map (db m31035) HM
In 1880 a German Lutheran minister, the Rev. W.R. Buehler, a well-educated man who had worked for five years as a missionary in Africa, moved with his family to Green Bay, VA. He had not been in Green Bay long when the African American . . . — — Map (db m180619) HM
On May 13, 1947, several African American leaders in Lunenburg County met at First Baptist Church in Victoria to discuss the need for a centrally located building large enough to accommodate county-wide gatherings. Out of a need to deal with . . . — — Map (db m182559) HM
On May 13, 1947, several African-American leaders in Lunenburg County met at First Baptist Church in Victoria to discuss the need for a centrally located building large enough to accommodate countywide gatherings and educational activities . . . — — Map (db m31856) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m30917) HM
Boydton Academic and Bible Institute was opened in 1879 in what had been the main building of Randolph-Macon College, before the college abandoned it and relocated to Ashland in 1868. Dr. Charles Cullis, a humanitarian from Boston, purchased . . . — — Map (db m180592) HM
Thyne Institute was established by Rev. J.Y. Ashenhurst, United Presbyterian Church, and a group of local citizens to provide an opportunity for African Americans (known as freedmen in the late 1800s) to obtain an education. In 1876 73 . . . — — Map (db m31003) HM
Thyme Institute was established by the Rev. J.Y. Ashenhurst, the United Presbyterian Church, and a group of local citizens to provide an opportunity for African Americans (known as "freed men" in the late 1800s) to obtain an education. In . . . — — Map (db m180594) HM
The Blackstone Female Institute was conceived in 1891 by George Pierce Adams, a Blackstone merchant, and Joshua Soule Hunter, a Methodist minister. Originally designed as a school to prepare young female students to enter Randolph-Macon . . . — — Map (db m31045) HM
The Blackstone Female Institute was conceived in 1891 by George Pierce Adams, a Blackstone merchant, and Joshua Soule Hunter, a Methodist minister. Originally designed as a school to prepare young female students to enter Randolph-Macon . . . — — Map (db m182528) HM
Mt. Nebo Church was founded shortly after the Civil War in 1867. A northerner named Mr. Rickets bought the place called Oak Hill and began preaching to a group of African Americans at this place in the woods. The audience increased as people . . . — — Map (db m20242) HM
Mt. Nebo Church was founded shortly after the Civil War, in 1867. A Northerner named Mr. Rickets bought this place in the woods, then called Oak Hill, and began preaching to a group of African American. The audience increased as people from . . . — — Map (db m182524) HM
When the Russell Grove School in Amelia County grew too big for its building, land was found in Nottoway County near Burkeville for a new school. Built in 1892 to educate African-American girls, the new school was named Ingleside Seminary. It . . . — — Map (db m31042) HM
When Russell Grove School in Amelia County grew too big for its building, land was found in Nottoway County for a new school. Built in 1892 to educate African American girls, the new school was named Ingleside Seminary. It was funded by . . . — — Map (db m224480) HM
Founded in 1878 as the first seminary for the theological education of African Americans, this school was associated with St. Stephen's Normal and Industrial School in Petersburg, which was overseen by the Rev. Thomas Spencer. In 1884, the . . . — — Map (db m180090) HM
Petersburg established a public school system in 1868, two years before the states mandate. Colored Elementary School #1 was conducted in the old church building of the African Baptist Church, which stood to your left. The building had been . . . — — Map (db m26011) HM
Petersburg established a public school system in 1868, two years before the state's mandate. Colored Elementary School #1 (as it was called) was conducted in the old church building of the African Baptist Church, which stood to your left. The . . . — — Map (db m180100) HM
Petersburg's main public library, the William R. McKenney Library, is housed in a fine dwelling constructed in 1859 by John Dodson, a prominent lawyer and mayor of Petersburg. After the Civil War, the Confederate General and railroad magnate . . . — — Map (db m20609) HM
Petersburg's main public library, the William R. McKenney Library, is housed in a dwelling constructed in 1859 by John Dodson, a prominent lawyer and a former mayor of Petersburg. After the Civil War, the Confederate general and railroad . . . — — Map (db m180105) HM
Disrupted by the convulsions of the First World War, efforts to replace the increasingly inadequate Peabody School on Fillmore Street stretched out from 1913 until 1920, when the new Peabody-Williams School opened on Jones Street. Charles . . . — — Map (db m26012) HM
Disrupted by the convulsions of the First World War, efforts to replace the increasingly inadequate Peabody School on Fillmore Street stretched out from 1913 until 1920, when the new Peabody-Williams School opened on Jones Street. Charles . . . — — Map (db m180092) HM
In 1950, Prince Edward Lake Recreation Area became Prince Edward State Park for Negroes Virginia's eighth state park and the only one accessible at that time to African Americans. During an era of segregation, this site was a refuge for . . . — — Map (db m182508) HM
Beulah African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church was founded in 1868. Originally, it was known as The Colored Methodist Church of Farmville. The original wooden-framed building was destroyed, by fire in 1898. The cornerstone on the present . . . — — Map (db m31318) HM
Beulah African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church was founded in 1868 as the Colored Methodist Church of Farmville. The original wood-frame building was destroyed by five in 1898. The cornerstone on the present building was laid in 1901.
A . . . — — Map (db m181202) HM
Founded on March 5, 1839 as the Farmville Female Seminary Association, Longwood is one of the oldest colleges originally for women in the country. In 1842 the cornerstone was laid for the first true college building, which is today known as . . . — — Map (db m31316) HM
Founded on March 5, 1839, as the Farmville Female Seminary Association, Longwood is one of the oldest colleges originally for women in the country. In 1842 the cornerstone was laid for the first true building at the college, known today as . . . — — Map (db m181198) HM
The First Baptist Church was organized in 1866 as an outgrowth of the predominantly white Farmville Baptist Church. In 1949, following the death of the Rev. C. H. Griffin, the Church voted unanimously to call his son, L. Francis Griffin, as . . . — — Map (db m31310) HM
First Baptist Church in Farmville was organized in 1866 as an outgrowth of the predominantly white Farmville Baptist Church. In 1949, following the death of the Rev. C.H. Griffin, the church voted unanimously to call on his son, L. Francis . . . — — Map (db m181206) HM
Hampden-Sydney College, in continuous operation since November 10, 1775, was established to form good men and good citizens. One of the few remaining all-male colleges, it was named for John Hampden (1594-1643) and Algernon Sydney . . . — — Map (db m31324) HM
Hampden-Sydney College, in continuous operation since November 10, 1775, was established "to form good men and good citizens." One of the few remaining all-male colleges today, it was named for John Hampden (1594-1643) and Algernon Sydney . . . — — Map (db m181191) HM
In 1954, after the Supreme Court ruled in Brown vs. the Board of Education of Topeka, that United States schools must integrate, Senator Harry S. Byrd and several Virginia governors followed the policy of massive resistance. Integration was . . . — — Map (db m31321) HM
In 1954, after the Supreme Court ruled in Brown v. the Board of Education of Topeka that American schools must integrate, Senator Harry S. Byrd and several Virginia governors followed the policy of "massive resistance." Integration was . . . — — Map (db m181154) HM
On this site of the former R.R. Moton High School, the actions of some brave African-American students to achieve equal educational opportunities for blacks eventually led to the end of legal segregation in American public schools.
Moton . . . — — Map (db m31319) HM
On this site of the former R.R. Moton High School, the actions of many brave African American students to achieve equal educational opportunities for Blacks eventually led to the end of legal segregation in American public schools.
Moton . . . — — Map (db m171727) HM
Established in 1843, most likely by free Black people, the Beneficial Benevolent Society of the Loving Sisters and Brothers of Hampden Sydney consisted of two mutual-benefit groups for African American men and women of the Hampden Sydney . . . — — Map (db m181175) HM
