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 •
this page online
Location. 37° 5.4′ N, 88° 37.97′ W. Marker is in Paducah, Kentucky, in McCracken County. It is at the intersection of H C Mathis Drive (U.S. 45) and North 14th Street, on the right when traveling north on H C Mathis Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1400 H C Mathis Drive, Paducah KY 42001, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Kentucky’s Jackson Purchase. It is also in the American Midwest, in the South, in the Upper South, and in the Ohio River Valley. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Wacinton (approx. half a mile away); Linn Boyd (approx. half a mile away); Paducah, Kentucky / McCracken County (approx. 0.6 miles away); Paducah Confederate Monument
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 25, 2020
2. West Kentucky Industrial College Marker
Another marker is no longer nearby. Dr. Reuben Saunders (1808-1891) (was approx. 0.8 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
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
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 695 times since then and 30 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.
