Northumberland County, Virginia
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Description
Driving Tour along the Route 360 Corridor in Northumberland County, VA.
1. Holley Graded School
Holley Graded School was established during Reconstruction and continued to serve the African American population through the 20th century. The school was established by Caroline Putnam and Sallie Holley, two white women who had opposed slavery and worked to help formerly enslaved women, men, and children after the Civil War. The school was established in 1868 and was replaced by a new building that was built in phases from 1914 to the 1930s and this building still stands thanks to the efforts of preservationists.
2. Zion Church
Prior to and during the Civil War, slaves from the Lottsburg community were allowed to worship at Coan Baptist Church. After the conclusion of the war, Coan Church officials had difficulty implementing many of the freedoms the slaves had acquired. The idea that the displaced Negros find a place of worship was brought forth and carried out. A piece of land on which to build a church was purchased from a landowner named Claiborne. This church which was a mere brush harbor lean-to, became Zion Church. Rev. Paymus Nutt was the first clergyman to serve Zion Church. Other Reverends serving Zion Church were:Charles Russ, E.R. Jackson, John Walker, J.W. Tynes, L.C. Newman, Rev. Bryant, H.C. Roane, Morris Samuels, Wendell Russell, Robert C. Hoban. Our current Pastor, Apostle John H. Bibbens, is the Twelfth shepherd of Zion Baptist Church of Lottsburg since its origin in 1867. During the years between Rev. Nutt and Rev. Tynes, a permanent structure was built to replace the lean-to. During the administration of Rev. Newman, the idea of the present church was conceived. That church built and now houses the present day congregation.
3. Rosenwald High School
Established in 1917 as Northumberland County Training School, this school for African Americans was made possible by a matching grant from Julius Rosenwald and the $7000 raised by local Black residents. The school operated until 1958.
