Oxford in Lafayette County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
Rosenwald School
Erected 2016 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, and the Rosenwald Schools series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1922.
Location. 34° 22.289′ N, 89° 31.504′ W. Marker is in Oxford, Mississippi, in Lafayette County. Marker is on Washington Avenue west of North 5th Street, on the left when traveling west. Marker is in front of Central Elementary School. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 409 Washington Ave, Oxford MS 38655, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Freedmen Town (approx. 0.3 miles away); Mississippi Central R.R. Campaign (approx. 0.3 miles away); Burns "Belfry" Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Oxford-University Depot (approx. 0.3 miles away); Theora Hamblett House (approx. 0.3 miles away); St. Peter's (1851), Episcopal (approx. 0.4 miles away); First Baptist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Silver Pond (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oxford.
Regarding Rosenwald School. Excerpt from “We Cannot Walk Alone: Images and History of the African-American Community, Lafayette County, Mississippi,” a 2003 exhibit at the University of Mississippi Library:
In the 1910’s, the Rosenwald school with elementary grades and later, high school, was built through private donor financing on the site of the original Oxford Colored School … In 1930 Rosenwald was renamed Oxford High School. During the year 1933-34 Oxford High School became Lafayette County Training School until it mysteriously burned in 1936. During the school years 1936-1939, classes were held in black churches until a new structure was completed in 1939 … at a cost of $78,000 and renamed Oxford Training School. This school endured as Oxford Training School until 1962 … when the students were instrumental in getting the name … changed to Central High School. … The school remained Central High School until desegregation of Oxford’s schools in February 1970.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 6, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 86 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 6, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.