Oxford in Granville County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Mary Potter Academy
Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 10, 2010
1. Mary Potter Academy Marker
Founded by G.C. Shaw 1889 to educate African Americans. Named for a Presbyterian benefactor. Later a public school. Operated one block east.
Erected 2006 by North Carolina Office of Archives and History. (Marker Number G-119.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. In addition, it is included in the North Carolina Division of Archives and History series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.
Location. 36° 18.792′ N, 78° 35.399′ W. Marker is in Oxford, North Carolina, in Granville County. Marker is at the intersection of College Street (U.S. 15) and East McClanahan Street, on the right when traveling north on College Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 140 College St, Oxford NC 27565, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Taylor-McClanahan-Smith House (within shouting distance of this marker); Katherine Blount Skinner Lassiter (within shouting distance of this marker); Erwin-Baird House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 213 College Street (about 400 feet away); Granville County Courthouse (about 700 feet away); Samuel Benton
this page online
Also see . . . About Dr. George Clayton Shaw. National Mary Potter Club website entry:
“The founder of the School, Dr. Shaw was also the founding Pastor of the Timothy Darling Presbyterian Church in Oxford North Carolina. Mary Potter Academy was an outgrowth of the Church and it satisfied the need for a school for African Americans in this area of North Carolina. Dr. Shaw, born in 1863 in Louisburg, North Carolina was a graduate of Lincoln University and later the Auburn Theological Seminary. His Presbyterian background and the encouragement of Dr. Timothy Darling and Mrs. Mary Potter (persons he knew while at Auburn) profoundly affected his decision to come south to establish the Church (1888) and the School (1889). It was primarily through the efforts and monetary donations of the Presbyterian Board of Missions and the personal attention of Mrs. Mary Potter that his goals reached fruition. Shaw, along with his wife, Mary Elizabeth Lewis Shaw, played an important role in realizing their vision of religion and education of Negroes in the South.” (Submitted on February 13, 2010.)
Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 10, 2010
2. Mary Potter Academy Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 13, 2010, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,942 times since then and 66 times this year. Last updated on April 3, 2023, by Michael Buckner of Durham, North Carolina. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 13, 2010, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photos of existing buildings, vintage photos, and photos of the Shaw Museum. • Can you help?
