A state historical highway marker for the Rappahannock Industrial Academy will be dedicated at 11 a.m. May 21 in Dunnsville. The public dedication and unveiling ceremony will take place on the former site of the school, across the road from 28882 Tidewater Trail, Dunnsville.
The RI Academy, as it was called, was established by African Americans to fulfill the need for high school education for African Americans at a time when no public schools in the area did, reported Rappahannock Industrial Academy Alumni Association president Bessida Cauthorne White. It was in existence from 1902 to 1948 and primarily served students from Middlesex, Essex and King and Queen counties.
The two large three-story buildings and other structures on the nearly 300-acre campus are no longer standing. However, there is a solar farm on a portion of the property, all of which is still owned by the Southside Rappahannock Baptist Association.
The RI Academy marker was sponsored by….
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