Niles in Berrien County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Ferry Street School

Photographed by M. Bowyer, July 10, 2007

1. Ferry Street School Marker

Inscription. Constructed in 1867 at a cost of nearly $3,000, the Ferry Street School opened in January, 1868 as Niles’s school for “colored children.” In 1870 the Niles school system was integrated, and this facility closed. It reopened as an integrated school in 1873. The west wing was added in 1903. From 1956 to 1975 the School for Exceptional Children was located here. In 1975 concerned citizens began restoring the original building to its nineteenth century style. Nineteenth century one-room schools in this community typically contained a woodburning stove, woodbox, water bench, coat pegs, wooden blackboards and long rows of desks. One teacher often taught two grades. Lessons were in reading, writing, spelling, numbers, declamation and geography—all with a moral. This school provides a link to schools of yesteryear.

Erected 1980 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number L477.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1868.

Location. 41° 49.902′ N,

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86° 15.089′ W. Marker is in Niles, Michigan, in Berrien County. It is on Ferry Street near North 6th Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 620 Ferry St, Niles MI 49120, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Michigan

and specifically in one of the Lake Michigan Shore counties. It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Second Baptist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S.S. Maine Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Chapin House / Henry Austin Chapin (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Old Fifth Street Viaduct (approx. 0.2 miles away); Four Flags Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); Wesley United Methodist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Trinity Church (approx. 0.3 miles away);

The Ferry Street School image. Click for full size.

Photographed by M. Bowyer, July 10, 2007

2. The Ferry Street School

John B. Reddick Building (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Niles.

Also see . . . Crowdfunding Campaign Launched for the "Ferry Street School Memorial Park" in Niles. Michigan Economic Development Corporation website entry:
The historic schoolhouse was nearly burned down completely in a 2023 fire; however, the façade was able to be rescued and preserved. (Submitted on December 2, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Ferry Street School image. Click for full size.

Photographed by M. Bowyer, July 10, 2007

3. Ferry Street School

Photographed by Trevor L Whited, July 6, 2025

4. Ferry Street School Marker

School is almost gone

Credits. This page was last revised on December 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 11, 2007, by M. Bowyer of Indianapolis, Indiana. This page has been viewed 3,453 times since then and 70 times this year. Last updated on July 6, 2025, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 11, 2007, by M. Bowyer of Indianapolis, Indiana. 4. submitted on July 6, 2025, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.