Draft:St. Emma Military Academy

History
Saint Emma Military Academy (1895-1972) and its sister school, Saint Francis de Sales High School (1896-1970) was organized by Louise Drexel Morrell, along with her husband (Edward) and her sister Saint Katharine Drexel. The Drexel / Morrells family provided financial stability for the founding of the two schools.

Katharine Drexel (1858-1955) was canonized by Pope John Paul II in a ceremony on 10/01/2000. This ceremony marked the official declaration of her sainthood. She is one of only two American-born Saints. Saint Emma Military Academy and Saint Francis de Sales High School were built on property located in Powhatan, Virginia, called Belmead. The property was purchased by the Drexel / Morrells family in 1895. The first construction was done by enslaved people, but the remaining buildings were built by cadets, and then by paid contractors.

St. Emma Military Academy was the Nation’s only Black military academy in continuous operation for over 77 years. St. Emma shaped over 10,000 young men with more than just practical skills. These men graduated with military diplomas, trade diplomas, as well as academic diplomas. Saint Frances de Sales graduated over 5,000 young women. Unfortunately, both schools were closed due to declining enrollment.

The Rock Castle Group is a foundation currently dedicated to preserving the legacy of St. Emma Military Academy and St. Francis De Sales High School.