New London Academy (Virginia)
New London Academy is a historic school located in Forest, Bedford County, Virginia. The rising of public schools after 1870 and closing down many of Virginia's private schools led New London Academy joining with the new public school districts of Campbell and Bedford Counties while remaining a private institution. This survival led to New London Academy being known as one of the oldest continuously running public schools of Virginia or even the South. New London is set apart from other historic schools in its architecture, notable alumni, like Thomas Jefferson's grandson, and the religious aspects of the school.
A black & white image of the front of Alumni Hall, the most symbolic building on campus.
New London Academy
New London is currently an unincorporated community and former town in Campbell County, Virginia, United States. The site of the colonial community is eleven miles southwest of downtown Lynchburg, Virginia. In 1754, Bedford County was formed and New London was established as the county seat. Situated near the intersection of the Great Wagon Road and the Wilderness Road, the town was an important stopping point for settlers heading west.
New London, Virginia original town plat, 1754
Portion of a page from one of John Hook's business ledgers showing a transaction of "1 yoke of oxen" with Thomas Jefferson on May 28, 1784, Picture part of the John Hook Papers, Rubenstein Library, Duke University
The historic marker at New London incorrectly states that Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton raided New London.
Photo of the basement excavation at Mead's Tavern