Houma in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
Fifth Districts High School
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, August 23, 2020
1. Fifth Districts High School Marker
The Fifth Districts High School was built in 1893. It is the work of Mr. John Reason under the leadership of Dr. Henry C. Cotton of Bella Alliance, LA. This location was once called Newtown present day Houma, LA. here in the Parish of Terrebonne. It was the foundation for education and religion in the community for African Americans. The land was officially donated in 1913 by Henry C. Minor the owner of Southdown Plantation and J. L. Hawkins. The Board of Directors were Henry C. Cotton (President) , Charles D. Reese (Vice President), Daniel F. Ross (AM Secretary), and Samuel T. Smith (Treasurer). It also served as a school for the laymen, christian bible college and an African American Museum, Est. Feb. 24, 2016, that was founded by Margie Scoby (President), and Alvin Tillman (Vice President) It became an Historic Landmark June 18, 2018 researched by Margie Scoby.
Erected by Houma Area Government and Visitors Bureau of Terrebonne Parish.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education.
Location. 29° 35.493′ N, 90° 43.31′ W. Marker is in Houma, Louisiana, in Terrebonne Parish. It is on Roussell Street east of Tunnel Boulevard, on the left when traveling
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Louisiana’s Acadiana Cajun Country and specifically in Bayou Country. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and on the Gulf Coast. 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 New Spain, Acadia, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, 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: Saint Francis de Sales Church (approx. Ό mile away); YRF-4C Phantom II (approx. Ό mile away); Terrebonne Parish Courthouse Square Oaks (approx. 0.4 miles away); 1834-1934 (approx. 0.4 miles away); A History of Terrebonne Parish (approx. 0.4 miles away); When Oysters Were King (approx. half a mile away); Bayou Terrebonne (approx. half a mile away); The Great Acadian Upheaval (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Houma.
Another marker is no longer nearby. St. Matthew's Episcopal Church (was approx. 0.4 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
More about this marker. Roussell Street is one way east at this location. Currently known as the Finding Our Roots African American Museum
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, August 23, 2020
2. Fifth Districts High School and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 9, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 23, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 679 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 23, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
