Little Bits of History Along U.S. Roadways: School

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Warren County High School and Massive Resistance

Marker No. J-22
Warren County, Virginia

Marker Text: Warren County High School, a Public Works Administrative project, was constructed in 1940. In 1958, the local NAACP chapter, lead by James W. Kilby, won a federal suit against the Warren County School Board to admit African Americans for the first time, in response, Gov. James Lindsay Almond Jr. ordered it closed in Sept. 1958, the first school in Virginia shut down under the state's Massive Resistance strategy. Following the 1959 Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals ruling that Massive Resistance was unconstitutional, a U.S. Circuit Court ordered it reopened. On 18 Feb. 1959, 23 African American students walked up this hill and integrated the school.

Location: Close to street address, 240 Luray Avenue, Front Royal, VA in front of the Warren County Middle School, which is the former high school mentioned in the marker. Erected by the Department of Historic Resources in 2010

Former Warren Co. High School is on the hill and was recently remodeled for use as the Middle School.

Today's marker is a recent addition to Virginia State Historical Markers, it was dedicated in Front Royal, VA on June 8, 2011. I attended the dedication of this marker and is the first and only dedication I have attended so far. Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell recently issued a certificate of recognition to Warren County's survivors of Massive Resistance. On Saturday, an event was held at the Warren Heritage Society with the presentation of the legal document proclaiming Feb. 18, “Survivors of Massive Resistance Day” by Gov. McDowell.

Description

When I travel the U.S. roadways, I prefer driving on the two lane highways rather than the interstate highways, when time and my route permits. One reason is my interest in state and county historical road markers. I have taken photos of these markers and their related landmarks on and off for several years, since I was a teenager. In the past few years I have made the photographing these markers and studying these little bits of history into my hobby. This blog contains my personal photos of these markers taken during my travels. My blog is more than just a collection of photos, I will also share some of the things I have learned, as I read, studied and followed-up on the information common in these markers. There are often interesting stories and other connections related to these markers, which frequently lies just below the surface. I will also connect the dots and share the series of stories that are common among multiple markers.
My chief interest is in the stories of the metal state and county historical road markers, but I will include photos and information about other markers, when they relate to my main entry. To learn more about how my interest in historical road markers developed, read my introduction to this blog entered on October 8, 2009.
I invite you to share your comments about stories, facts, and other information shared in these markers. I have attempted to keep my entries brief without getting into extensive background information, (I did not want to get carried away with every historical detail) just that information that I found interesting, unusual or fascinating. Maybe you live near one of these markers, maybe you are related to the person, or have personal knowledge about the topic, event or location. I would love to learn from you more details and history. The history of our country is not only informative, but I find it also amazing, exciting and some times humorous as we learn about those people, places and events that shaped who we are as Americans. Regardless of our background, history or heritage, we share a common history as a nation and as a people.