Palatka in Putnam County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Central Academy School

Photographed by Jay Kravetz

1. Central Academy School Marker

Inscription. Central Academy School was established in 1892 as the only public school for Palatka’s Black population. It originally served first through eighth grades. Later, the school expanded to include all twelve grades. In 1925, due to the efforts and leadership of Principal Clarence C. Walker, Central Academy School received accreditation from the State of Florida Department of Public Instruction. It was the first “Negro standard high school,” and the first public school in the state to be accredited. In 1936, fire destroyed the 1892 school building. That same year, the Putnam County Board of Public Instruction purchased lots for a new school, and construction began with assistance from the Works Progress Administration. The first classes at the new Central Academy School building were held during the 1937-1938 school year. Still serving first through twelfth grades, the school sought to maintain the high academic standards that were set by Principal Walker. Central Academy School ceased operation in 1971 as part of the integration of Putnam County public schools. In 1998, the Central Academy School was listed on the National

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Register of Historic Places.

Erected 2022 by City of Palatka, The Florida Department of State. (Marker Number F-1198.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1892.

Location. 29° 39.363′ N, 81° 38.409′ W. Marker is in Palatka, Florida, in Putnam County. It is at the intersection of Washington Street and North 13 Street, on the right when traveling east on Washington Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1207 Washington Street, Palatka FL 32177, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Florida’s First Coast.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

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:

Photographed by Jay Kravetz

2. Central Academy School Marker

Atlantic Coast Line (approx. 0.4 miles away); Palatka (approx. half a mile away); Putnam County Persian Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm) Memorial (approx. ¾ mile away); Putnam County WW II Memorial (approx. ¾ mile away); Putnam County Confederate Memorial (approx. ¾ mile away); Putnam County Korean War Memorial (approx. ¾ mile away); Reid's Garden (approx. ¾ mile away); Putnam County WW I Memorial (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Palatka.

Photographed by Jay Kravetz, June 23, 2024

3. Central Academy School Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 23, 2024, by Jay Kravetz of West Palm Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 853 times since then and 94 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 23, 2024, by Jay Kravetz of West Palm Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.