Schoolhouse Number 18 - Marshall, Virginia / by Todd Henson

The grounds of Schoolhouse Number 18

After the US Civil War, during Reconstruction, Congress required former Confederate states such as Virginia to institute new constitutions before they’d be allowed back into the national legislature. In 1869 Virginia voters approved a new constitution, one element of which was the establishment of a free public education system. A number of new schools were built, one of which was Public School #18 in Fauquier.

The front entrance of Schoolhouse Number 18

For its early years from its construction in 1887 until 1910 it served local white children. A newer school was built in the village of Marshall in 1910 and after that point Number 18 served local African American students. The school closed in 1964. Miss Sadie Hill’s students in grades 1-5 were then transferred to Northwestern (now Claude Thompson) school.

The side of Schoolhouse Number 18

Fauquier County and the Marshall Regional Historical Society began preservation efforts at the property in 1986. The metal roof had helped keep water out and did a good job preserving the interior, much of which has been retained. A sign states that the blackboard, floor, walls and ceilings are all original, though a new stove from the period was donated. The exterior cupola had to be replaced but they recovered and reinstalled the original bell within it.

Public School No 18, 1887

Schoolhouse Number 18 and the gardens

Today Schoolhouse #18 sits on a small plot of park land with beautifully maintained gardens. It is the only 19th century one room school left in Fauquier County.

Kudos to you if you happen to notice the mockingbird perched atop the bell cupola in most of the photos. I hadn’t noticed it until I loaded the photos into the computer to organize them.


Do you enjoy these posts?

Sign up to receive periodic emails with updates and thoughts. Don’t worry, I won’t spam you. And please consider purchasing artwork or products from my online store, and using my affiliate links in the sidebar to the right when shopping online.

I appreciate your support!