Carter G. Woodson

Carter G. Woodson. . School History , 1920 - Mark Hanna was the original name of the first school in Tullahassee. The Rosenwald Grant was utilized to build that facility. The Rosenwald Fund helped build schools in black communities such as Tullahassee, Rock Hill, Red Bird, Clarksville, Arkansas Valley, and Porter. These schools also served children from surrounding towns and townships. Julius Rosenwald, a Jewish philanthropist, played a significant role in supporting Black education in the South., 1933 - In August 1933, a petition was presented for a high school at Flipper Key Davis University, highlighting the community desire for better educational facilities. The Black Dispatch was supported by both Black and White residents for a standardized 12 grade school. In 1956, the town had 1,5377 Black residents, with 395 high school aged children who lacked access to education due to the absence of a county high school for Black students. The petition was forwarded to the Oklahoma State Department of Education., 1939 - In 1980, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) allocated funding for the Tallahassee Schools and assigned 3 workers to construct the high school. The project resulted in a white building featuring six classrooms and administrative offices, alongside a large gabled sandstone elementary school that included additional classrooms. The cafeteria served as a dual purpose, functioning as an auditorium complete with a stage and gymnasium until the John Ford center was constructed in 1950s., 1950 - March 1950: Local newspaperss started calling Tullahassee Schools the Carter G. Woodson Schools. Ever since, Tullahassee has proudly roared as the home of the Carter G. Woodson Wildcats! Forever representing those Gold and Blue colors! Woodson! Woodson! Woodson!, 1990 - In the late 1980s, the Tullahassee Carter G. Woodson School district faced low census numbers leading to the decision to close and merge with Porter School District, following a vote of 389 to 86. During this merger, trophies and both athletic and scholastic records were turned over to Porter School District and reportedly destroyed and/or lost by that administration. The last Superintendent of Carter G. Woodson was John Gamble Sr. After the closing of the school the high school building was vandalized by fire. The building was not able to be restored. The Porter School Board voted to gift the land where the school once thrived over to the Town of Tullahassee., 2012 - On August 26, 2012, the Carter G. Woodson Elementary School building was tragically destroyed by fire during the late night hours. Subsequent investigations revealed that the fire was the result of theft and arson. Once again. Tullahassee has faced the loss of its school. However, from these ashes we are committed to building something as beautiful as the cherished memories created within these walls., 2024 - On June 22, 2021, following several monthly discussions at Board meetings, the Tullahassee Board of Trustees convened and made the decision to demolish the remains of the High Sclool. The building had fallen victim to vandalism, becoming dilapidated and posing safety risk for the community. Plans are in place for this site and the rock building aims to enhance the town while honoring its rich history! Greater things are on the horizon! To this day we still love to hear the stories of how great Carter G. Woodson school was! Wildcats Forever? Woodson! Woodson! Woodson!