04/03/2025
We are honored to join Black History Museum of Virginia to commemorate the history of the Leigh Street Armory and the First Battalion Virginia Volunteers. This historic building, located in Richmond’s historic Jackson Ward, has the unique distinction of being the only armory ever built by the United States of America for Black Servicemen.
Throughout its history this building has been a place for community, learning, and pride for Richmonders: first as the home of the First Battalion, then as the Monroe School, the Monroe Center, and now the Black History Museum of Virginia. This history has now been removed from Department of Defense websites.
In this historic month of emancipation and liberation for our city and nation, we remember the history of this space and the individuals who served our country within its walls and beyond.
