Buckhannon in Upshur County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Baxter Street "Black School"
Photographed by Bradley Owen, February 24, 2025
1. Baxter Street "Black School" Marker
Their names were McGhee... Warfield... Carter... Stewart... Jarvis... Jeffers... Taylor... Johnson... Hall... Mumford... Walker... & Tyler... they lived, worked, learned, & played throughout our Buckhannon community, but especially here where several black families lived & attended school - right here on Baxter Street, where our town's original "Black School" was located.
West Virginia Wesleyan College remembers & honors the rich legacy and many contributions of Buckhannon's African-American families as well as WVWC's many students of color, & places this sign here as a living & permanent tribute to all of them.
"I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word."
Dedicated October 18, 2015
Erected 2015 by West Virginia Wesleyan College.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical date for this entry is October 18, 2015.
Location. 38° 59.452′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in North Central West Virginia. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Charles William Warfield, Sr (within shouting distance of this marker); Pritts' Plaza / Good To Great Way (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); West Virginia Wesleyan's Oak Forest (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mary Augusta Gibson (approx. 0.2 miles away); Wilbert H. "Webb Grubb & the story of Wilbert Grubb Lane" (approx. 0.3 miles away); Chief Chesley G. Mearns
Photographed by Bradley Owen, February 24, 2025
2. Baxter Street "Black School" Marker
Diversity Rock and Marker are located on the right.
Regarding Baxter Street "Black School". Charles William Warfield Sr. became the first Black principal of the first Black school in Buckhannon in 1917.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, February 24, 2025
3. Diversity Rock Marker
Our nation, our Buckhannon-Upshur community, our West Virginia Wesleyan College campus are melting pots, patchwork quilts, rainbows. Our society's greatest strength is its repeated ability to incorporate our differences for the benefit of everyone. Our City of Buckhannon & WVWC community is committed to maximizing inclusiveness & fostering an environment whereby all are valued & appreciated.
Dedicated on WVWC & the City of Buckhannon's second, annual Diversity Day - October 9, 2016
Photographed by Bradley Owen, February 24, 2025
4. Diversity Rock and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 2, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 271 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 3, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
