Augusta Military Academy facts for kids
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Augusta Military Academy
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Main Barracks, August 2006
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | North of Staunton on U.S. 11, Fort Defiance, Virginia |
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| Area | 14 acres (5.7 ha) |
| Built by | Collins, T.J. |
| Architectural style | Gothic, Neo-Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 83003258 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | February 10, 1983 |
The Augusta Military Academy (AMA) was a special school in Fort Defiance, Virginia, United States. It was a military academy, which means it taught regular school subjects along with military training. The school started in 1865.
It was founded by Charles Summerville Roller, a veteran from the Confederate Army. At first, it was called the Augusta Male Academy. In 1880, it officially became a military academy. By 1890, it was named Augusta Military Academy.
AMA was one of the first schools in Virginia to combine classic studies with military lessons. In 1919, it was also one of the first schools in the U.S. to start the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program. This program helps students learn about military life.
The Academy closed in 1984. Over 7,000 students from many places attended AMA. Today, the old school grounds are used as a campground. It is located on U.S. Route 11.
Contents
History of Augusta Military Academy
How the Academy Began
Charles Summerville Roller was born in Virginia in 1839. He studied at the University of Virginia. When the Civil War started, he left school to join the Confederate forces. He served in the cavalry during the war.
After the war ended, the town of Fort Defiance needed schools. Many young people had not been able to get an education. Mr. Roller decided to help. He started teaching boys in a small brick building. This building was near the Augusta Stone Church.
Mr. Roller was also a leader in his community. He served in the Virginia Legislature from 1871 to 1873. When he returned, he was even more determined to build a proper school for boys.
Building the School Campus
In 1878, Mr. Roller chose a spot for his new school. It was next to the Old Stone Church, near what is now U.S. Route 11. The first building was finished in 1879. It was Mr. Roller's home and the Academy's first building.
Over the next 18 years, more buildings were added. By 1897, there were several wooden buildings. These buildings were designed for the school's programs. One building was a large wooden tower used as an armory. A dining room was also added to Mr. Roller's home. This part of his home is still used today, though it has been changed a lot.
Becoming a Military School
Many of Mr. Roller's first students were Civil War veterans. Military-style discipline helped keep order in the classroom. This worked so well that Mr. Roller decided to add a full military system. This happened between 1880 and 1882.
The Virginia Military Institute (VMI) was a model for AMA. VMI followed the system of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. In AMA's early years, all the teachers were VMI graduates. They used official military manuals for instruction.
In 1888, the school was called Augusta Classical and Military Academy. Then, in 1890, its name changed to the Augusta Military Academy (AMA).
The 20th Century and Growth
When Charles S. Roller died in 1907, his two youngest sons took over. Their names were Thomas Roller and Charles Roller Jr. Both sons had graduated from AMA themselves. They also went on to study at other colleges.
During World War I, Charles Roller Jr. served in France. He was a Captain in the 89th Division. It is thought that he started the "Ad Astra per Aspera Society" for the school. This society became real in 1925.
Under the Roller brothers' leadership, AMA grew. More students enrolled, and the school became well-known. In 1916, the JROTC program was created. AMA was the first high school in Virginia to officially add JROTC to its classes in 1921. This meant the school got support from the government. However, military discipline remained a very important part of the school.
The early 1900s were a time of growth for AMA. The school became famous around the world. When Thomas J. Roller passed away in 1946, Charles S. Roller, Jr. became the only principal.
Buildings of AMA
As more students joined AMA in the early 1900s, new buildings were needed. Old wooden structures were replaced. New classrooms and dorms were built.
The "Main Barracks" is one of the most famous buildings. It is a three-story building with rough stucco walls. It has a tall entrance tower. This building was finished in 1915.
The Mess Hall/Library/Deanes Castle Dormitory is also called The Roller House. It was built in 1879 as Charles Summerville Roller's home. It is a two-story building with a slate roof. This is the only original building left. It was rebuilt in 1999 and is now the AMA Museum.
In 1946, a new science hall was added to the Academic Hall. A new kitchen for the Mess Hall was built in 1959. In 1961, new classrooms were added above the swimming pool. A new stairway was built on the Main Barracks in 1963.
The Gymnasium/Academic Hall has a neo-Gothic style. It has three parts: the first gym built in 1910, the current gym built in 1929, and a swimming pool connecting them.
The Augusta Military Academy Museum holds a gathering for alumni each year. Some famous alumni include William H. Armstrong, who wrote the book Sounder. Another is C.E. Byrd, an educator from Louisiana.
Fun Facts
An episode of MTV's show Fear was filmed at the Augusta Military Academy. It was shown in Season 1, Episode 4. The show called it "Hopkins Military Academy." This was done to keep local teenagers and ghost hunters from visiting the old school.
See Also
Images for kids
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The Augusta Military Academy's fieldhouse
