RI Academy closed 74 years ago this month, highway marker will be dedicated Saturday

by Bessida Cauthorne White

The Rappahannock Industrial Academy, after having been in existence for 46 years, closed its doors 74 years ago this month. Its final commencement was held on May 28, 1948.

Located in Essex County and serving students primarily from Essex, King and Queen, and Middlesex counties, the Rappahannock Industrial Academy was a Baptist-run high school for African Americans. The Academy was established when there were no public high schools for them in the area.

The school’s surviving alumni have no shortage of memories about their….


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