Richmond's Leigh Street Armory & African American Militia - Hardcoverby Roice D. Luke (Author), Maureen Elgersman Lee (Author), Stacy L. Burrs (Author) In 1895, the City of Richmond constructed the magnificent Leigh Street Armory for its African American militia. During Reconstruction, Virginia led the nation in establishing black militia units, and Richmond was the only city to build an armory for that use. These volunteer soldiers drilled and trained there, and many joined other volunteers to serve in the Spanish