Hernando in DeSoto County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)

Hernando Central School

Photographed by Mark Hilton, April 2, 2021

1. Hernando Central School Marker

Inscription. Hernando Central School was the first black school built in DeSoto County during the equalization period, when the state tried to preserve segregation by more fairly distributing resources to black and white schools. Designed by architect Walk C. Jones Jr. of Memphis, and built in 1958, the school included first grade through high school. James T. McGlowan was the first principal. The mascot was the Tiger, and the team colors were purple and gold. In 1970 the school was integrated. It is now Oak Grove Central Elementary School.

Erected 2018 by Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. In addition, it is included in the Mississippi State Historical Marker Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1958.

Location. 34° 48.969′ N, 90° 0.376′ W. Marker is in Hernando, Mississippi, in DeSoto County. It is on West Oak Grove Road 0.3 miles west of College Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 893 W Oak Grove Rd, Hernando

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MS 38632, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

in the Mississippi Delta,

and in the Great River Road Region.

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 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: Springhill Cemetery (approx. 0.3 miles away); Baptist Industrial College (approx. half a mile away); "Beale Town Bound" (approx. 0.6 miles away); 449 Commerce Street (approx. 0.7 miles away); 421 Commerce Street (approx. ¾ mile away); The Dickinson Family (approx. 0.8 miles away); Trade helped the Indians develop ties with Hernando de Soto (approx. 0.8 miles away); Historic artwork in this courthouse portrays our regions past (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hernando.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, April 2, 2021

2. Hernando Central School Marker

Now the Oak Grove Central Elementary School.

Photo of principal James Thomas McGlowan. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, April 2, 2021

3. Photo of principal James Thomas McGlowan.

Photo is at foot of marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 6, 2021, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,112 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 6, 2021, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.