How did Culpeper’s schools get their names?

Zann Miner
Published: April 17, 2008

Last week I had the privilege of speaking to the Culpeper Women’s Club; it was their inspiration that prompted the column on education in Culpeper. Since then there have been numerous comments and questions. Honoring those inquiring minds, today’s column will expand a bit on the subject of history and traditions relevant to education in Culpeper.

It is safe to say that the “idea” of educating the masses was one of utility and pragmatism.

Schools were most often identified by a number rather than a name; a perfect example being the first public school constructed with public funds called simply “Culpeper Graded School No. 1.” The sister school for blacks was called “Culpeper Graded School No.2.” Nothing fancy here.

The Virginia General Assembly in 1870 passed legislation mandating that all counties provide free education. It would be interesting to examine the actual enabling legislation to determine the qualifications, i.e. what were the criteria required to comply with the mandate?

I am pretty sure I read somewhere that the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic were necessary courses. It certainly makes sense that the intent was to raise the level of basic literacy creating a citizenry that could read, write and tackle simple ciphers.

Certainly other courses such as Latin and history were encouraged, but there was no requirement for what we know of as high school in added grades or courses.

Culpeper built its first public school in 1892, 15 years later four grades were added to offer a “high school” and in 1916 a new building was constructed to be called the Culpeper High School.

In 24 years, there would be one addition and two school building construction projects just in town and only for the white population. The countywide schools, black and white, were housed for the most part- there were a couple of exceptions- in buildings rented or donated.

Culpeper Graded School No.1 cost $12,000 to construct, the high school in 1916 cost $18,500. Between 1894 and 1908, the county allocated funds in three districts for the construction of schools, $1,200 to Jeffersonton and $1,000 each to Rixeyville and Lignum.

I know many of you are mesmerized by the contemplation of spending— even with an inflation factor— comparable funds for new school construction. But wait! Consider the role public education now plays in the life of our community. No longer is it an entity serving the simple purpose of providing basic tools of literacy.

At the time of inception, students received all other amenities from their church, community or home. The citizenry can now look to the public school system for advanced scholastics, cultural and athletic programs as well as physical and mental health assistance. These offerings are extraordinary; is it any wonder the system now comes with a huge price tag?

One thing has remained consistent throughout the years; construction has been of high quality. The original school, built in 1892 was eventually demolished. In its place was constructed the second of a two-building complex- the first part was the 1916 building- that would later be named the Ann Wingfield Elementary school.

It is a bit of a guess as to when the complex became an elementary school, but I believe it was about 1948. This was a landmark year for the county, as it shifted to a consolidated high school system. All countywide white students wishing to attend high school would travel to the brand new Culpeper County High School (the building now houses the county school administrative offices).

As to the Ann Wingfield buildings, just drive down North East Street to discover what remains. The second building was demolished for a parking lot, but the original 1916 building next to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church has been converted to the Ann Wingfield apartments.

Hats off to those who possessed the wisdom to build well and those who have seen the benefit to recycle.

In closing, please find a reminder of the individuals whose names are associated with local school buildings.

Ann Slaughter Wingfield was raised on the Cedar Mountain Slaughter family home place, married and moved to Hanover Co. Her husband died during the Civil War and Mrs.Wingfield returned to Culpeper to dedicate her life to education.

Archie G. Richardson was the first African-American named to the Virginia Dept. of Education and in the late 1930s served as the Assistant Supervisor of Negro Education.

Pearl Sample spent her entire career as a teacher in the Culpeper school system, lived in the house on U.S. 15, now occupied by the Options Program and gave the land for Pearl Sample Elementary School.

F.T. Binns also spent his teaching career in Culpeper, teaching government and coaching softball. When not on the ball field or in the classroom, he was also known as the Rev. Binns, Baptist minister.

Until next week

Zann Miner, former director of the Museum of Culpeper History, can be reached at or write Zann Miner c/o the Culpeper Star Exponent 471 James Madison Hwy. Suite 201 Culpeper, VA 22701.