Centre in Cherokee County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Hatcher School
1949-1969
Photographed by Angela Nichols
1. Hatcher School Marker
Hatcher School was created as a result of the dreams and sacrifices of the people of the community. Black children in Centre had to travel to Cedar Bluff to attend school. The State purchased land and citizens of the community provided funding and labor. Mr. Donald H. Starr, Sr. was the first principal. Students walked to school until the purchase of buses in 1956. Black students county wide were then transported to Hatcher School. Hatcher closed in 1969 due to desegregation.
Erected by Historical Preservation Society - Cherokee County, Alabama.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Notable Buildings.
Location. 34° 9.382′ N, 85° 41.136′ W. Marker is in Centre, Alabama, in Cherokee County. It is on Jackson Drive east of Bay Springs Road, on the left when traveling east. The marker is south of the Cherokee County Career and Technology Center (School) just off of Bay Springs Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Centre AL 35960, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in East Alabama and specifically in North Alabama. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mose Hampton 1808-1885 (approx. Ό mile away); John Johnathan Pratt (approx. 0.4 miles away); Cherokee County Courthouse (approx. half
this page online
Photographed by Angela Nichols
2. Hatcher School Marker
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, May 27, 2026
3. Hatcher School & Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 3, 2019, by Angela Nichols of Centre, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,052 times since then and 90 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 3, 2019, by Angela Nichols of Centre, Alabama. 3. submitted on May 27, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
