In the heart of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley lies a single remnant of Zenda, a settlement formed after the Civil War by newly freed slaves. When Rockingham County reclaimed the property from a former plantation owner in a postwar legal action, they decided to sell it to the freedmen. Thus Zenda, also known as 'Little Africa,' was born. The church served not only as the spiritual center of the community, but as the educational center as well. Since the county did not provide for the education of black students, this facility was the first school for the community residents. In 2005, Alfred and Robin Jenkins purchased the property in order to preserve and restore it, and in hopes of establishing a black history heritage site. Long's Chapel at Zenda is now on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2008, a historical marker was erected by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources.
Visitors are welcome on the grounds.
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Last Updated: 05/09/2016
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