Mobile in Mobile County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Barton Academy

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 19, 2014

1. Barton Academy Marker

Inscription. The first public school in Alabama built in 1835-36, used continuously since that time for the purpose of education except for a brief period during the Civil War when it was a hospital. Named for State Rep. Willoughby Barton of Mobile who was the author of a bill creating a Board of School Commissioners for Mobile County in 1826.

Classic example of Greek Revival architecture. Original design by James Gallier and Charles Dakin. First addition was the extension of the east and west wings in the late 1800’s. Second addition was an extension of the north end in 1914. Third addition and entire renovation was let on June 30, 1967 and completed in the spring of 1970.

In February, 1970, Barton Academy was entered into the National Register of Historic Places.
Board Members
1960-1970
Arthur F. Smith, Jr., President
William B. Crane, Vice President
Dr. Sidney C. Phillips • Charles E. McNeil • Jack C. Gallalee • Homer L. Sessions
Kenneth W. Reed • Daniel T. McCall, Jr. • John S. Shaw
Dr. Crawford H. Burns, Superintendent
March, Holmes and Geer, Architect-Engineer
Stuart Construction Co. and J.F. Pate Construction Co.
Builders

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education

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• Science & Medicine • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1835.

Location. 30° 41.289′ N, 88° 2.88′ W. Marker is in Mobile, Alabama, in Mobile County. Marker can be reached from Government Street (U.S. 90) just east of South Cedar Street, on the left when traveling east. Marker is mounted on a knee-high pedestal, just inside the fence, near the southwest corner of the Barton Academy grounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 102 South Cedar Street, Mobile AL 36602, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Barton Academy (within shouting distance of this marker); Shaarai Shomayim (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Andrew N. Johnson (about 600 feet away); Dr. H. Roger Williams (about 600 feet away); Our Spanish Heritage (about 700 feet away); Crown & Scepter of Isabel (about 700 feet away); Isabel La Catolica (about 700 feet away); 400 Government Street 1860 (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mobile.

Regarding Barton Academy. National Register of Historic Places #70000107

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Barton Academy

Also see . . .

Barton Academy Marker • <i>wide view from sidewalk<br>(marker located just inside fence)</i> image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 19, 2014

2. Barton Academy Marker • wide view from sidewalk
(marker located just inside fence)

Barton History. After finishing touches were completed in 1839, students began attending Barton – but for a tuition fee. A large construction debt prevented the commission from offering full public education. After more than a decade, a new board of commissioners reorganized the school system and reopened Barton as a public school in November 1852. Aside from being closed during the Civil War, Barton continued to be Mobile County’s public high school until Murphy High School opened in 1926. Barton served as an elementary and middle school until the 1960s when it was converted to the central office for the Mobile County Public School System. (Submitted on December 15, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Barton Academy • <i>wide view from South Cedar Street<br>(marker visible on right)</i> image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 19, 2014

3. Barton Academy • wide view from South Cedar Street
(marker visible on right)

Barton Academy (<i>view from near marker</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 19, 2014

4. Barton Academy (view from near marker)

Barton Academy • <i>southeast corner view<br>(related marker visible beside sidewalk)</i> image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 19, 2014

5. Barton Academy • southeast corner view
(related marker visible beside sidewalk)

50th Anniversary of Last High School Class plaque<br>(<i>mounted near front entrance</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 19, 2014

6. 50th Anniversary of Last High School Class plaque
(mounted near front entrance)

This tablet commemorates
the 50th Anniversary of the graduation of the
last High School Class to complete four years
in attendance at Historic Barton Academy on
June 5, 1925
and is
dedicated
to the happy memories of those long
past years, and the indelible recollection
of fellow students and teachers, both
living and dead.
By
the last “Bartonians”
the Class of ‘25
June 5, 1975

Credits. This page was last revised on December 16, 2019. It was originally submitted on December 13, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 620 times since then and 79 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 13, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 15, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.