Rose Hill in Charlottesville, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Jackson P. Burley High School
— Charlottesville, Virginia - 1762 —
Jackson P. Burley High School is named in memory of Jackson Price Burley, a distinguished educator, church worker, and community leader. The school opened in September 1951 with twenty-six teachers, a principal, assistant principal, secretary, two cafeteria workers, and six bus drivers serving 542 black students in grades eight through twelve. The curriculum offered college and vocational courses for professional and trade careers.
Jackson P. Burley was a high school for only sixteen years, yet it changed the lives of all the students who attended. Notable programs included fine arts, science and math, athletic teams, art clubs, debate team, Future Farmers of America, and chorus. Burley students went on to colleges, opened businesses, and joined the world of work.
Jackson P. Burley High School is also significant for the role it played in the history of Charlottesville's schools during the time of integration. Prior to 1950, there were three high schools for black students in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, including Esmont High School, Jefferson High School and Albemarle Training School. With the opening of Burley High School, they were combined into a single high school that served all the black students in the area. Following the integration of all City and County schools, a process begun
this page online
Majestically among the hills
'Neath God's great azure sky
Stands proudly with its arms outstretched
Our own dear Burley High
Erected 2010 by City of Charlottesville, Virginia.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1967.
Location. 38° 2.38′ N, 78° 29.175′ W. Marker is in Charlottesville, Virginia. It is in Rose Hill. Marker is on Rose Hill Drive just south of Concord Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 901 Rose Hill Dr, Charlottesville VA 22903, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Walter “Rock” Greene Albert “AP” Moore Gymnasium (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Jackson P. Burley High School (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Jackson P. Burley High School (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert "Bob" Smith Clarence "Butch" Jones Field (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Buck v. Bell
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 17, 2024
2. Jackson P. Burley High School Marker to the right of the building's entrance
Additional commentary.
1. Lack of capitalization of black on the marker
The City of Charlottesville erected this marker in 2010 prior to the Associated Press' 2020 announcement that they would be capitalizing Black when referring to individuals and groups of African descent. Prior to this announcement, there was no standard, although African American groups advocated for the capitalization for years. The Commonwealth of Virginia's marker was erected in 2021 after the standard was adopted and features the capitalized usage of Black.
— Submitted May 18, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 17, 2024
3. Virginia Landmarks and National Register plaque for the school
High School
1951 - 1967
is listed on the
Virginia Landmarks Register
and the
National Register
of Historic Places
2020
Credits. This page was last revised on May 18, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 31 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 18, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
