Paducah in McCracken County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
West Kentucky Industrial College
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 25, 2020
1. West Kentucky Industrial College Marker
Ground broken for this college on Dec. 9, 1909, by Dr. Dennis H. Anderson, who had a determination to improve education for Negroes in Kentucky. Cornerstone for first building laid, 1911. Dr. Anderson failed to get bill passed in 1912 legislature to make school a state institution. It did become state-supported in 1918 and by 1938 had grown to be the third largest Negro junior college in the U.S.
Before it merged with Ky. State, 1938, this college was served by Presidents D. H. Anderson, 1909-37, and H. C. Russell, 1937-38. A vocational school established in 1938. The following have served as its president: M. H. Griffin, 1938-43; H.C. Russell, 1943-47; M. J. Sleet (acting pres.), 1947-48; C. L. Timberlake, 1948-57; and H. C. Mathis since 1957. School has continued to meet the vocational needs of Kentuckians.
Erected 1973 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways; Presented by the National Alumni Association: Lorenzo Goatley, President, J.D. Marks, Jr., Secy. (Marker Number 1469.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is December 9, 1909.
Location. 37°
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Wacinton (approx. half a mile away); Paducah, Kentucky / McCracken County (approx. 0.6 miles away); Irvin S. Cobb (approx. 0.6 miles away); Dr. Reuben Saunders (1808-1891) (approx. 0.8 miles away); Grave of John T. Scopes / Scopes "Monkey Trial" (approx. 0.8 miles away); Gen. Lloyd Tilghman (approx. 0.9 miles away); Temple Israel (approx. one mile away); Fountain Avenue United Methodist Church (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Paducah.
Also see . . . West Kentucky Industrial College Paducah, Kentucky 1909-1938. From America's Lost Colleges: Profiles of 350 Closed or Merged Colleges, by Paul Batesel (Submitted on October 28, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 25, 2020
2. West Kentucky Industrial College Marker
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 25, 2020
3. West Kentucky Industrial College Marker
Public domain, circa 1921
4. Artelia Anderson Hall, West Kentucky Industrial College
From Public education in Kentucky: a report by the Kentucky educational commission, published by General Education Board, New York, 1922.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 28, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 237 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 28, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
