Columbus in Muscogee County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

First Black Public School

Photographed by Debbie Seibert, November 1990

1. First Black Public School Marker

Inscription. Near here, in July 1872, the first local public school for black students was opened. The school was the result of an action by the City Council directing the Trustees of the Columbus Public Schools to set up classes for blacks. For the first of these, the trustees rented Temperance Hall, built in 1849. Until the 1871 opening of the Springer Opera House, this had been the city’s foremost theater. On its stage had appeared many of the opera, music, and theater greats of the era. Among them was John Wilkes booth. The school operated here until 1874 when it was moved to the former AME church on Sixth Avenue.

Erected 1990 by Historic Chattahoochee Commission and the Muscogee County School District.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1872.

Location. 32° 28.171′ N, 84° 59.517′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Georgia, in Muscogee County. It is on 1st Avenue 0 miles north of 12th Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbus GA 31901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Piedmont.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

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,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

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: Oglethorpe House (about 300 feet away,

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measured in a direct line); Synovus (about 500 feet away); Trinity Episcopal Church (about 600 feet away); Kirven's Department Store (about 600 feet away); Martin J. Crawford (about 800 feet away); City of Columbus (about 800 feet away); Columbian Lodge No. 7, Free & Accepted Masons Columbus, Georgia (about 800 feet away); The Ledger-Enquirer Newspapers (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.

Photographed by Debbie Seibert, November 1990

2. First Black Public School Marker

Looking north on 1st Avenue; there is nothing remaining of the school building.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 9, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 2,712 times since then and 102 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 9, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.