e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia Online

A Lack of Schools in Western Virginia

Education Section 2 of 16

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Virginia created a “Literary Fund” in 1810 to support education, but there wasn’t enough money to meet the needs. In 1818, funds were set aside to help poor White children attend school, but many parents didn’t use them because they didn’t want to be viewed as poor.

In 1779, Virginia Governor Thomas Jefferson proposed free public schools for all, but the eastern and western parts of the state couldn’t agree. Eastern leaders wanted to focus on higher education for future leaders, while western leaders wanted free basic education for everyone. The east won, and Virginia opened a university in 1819 but did little for elementary and secondary schools statewide.