Clarksburg in Harrison County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Kelly Miller School
Photographed by Bradley Owen, November 6, 2025
1. Kelly Miller School Marker
Kelly Miller School (1st to 12th grade), located on EB Saunders Way (formerly Water St.), was a black school operated from 1903 until school desegregation in 1956. The school was named in honor of Kelly Miller, an African American mathematician, sociologist, essayist, newspaper columnist, author, and an important figure in the intellectual life of black America for close to half a century. Many former students went on to have successful careers such as Victorine Louistall Monroe (librarian), Robert "Bob" Wilson (NBA player), James Williams (attorney), James Griffin (community leader), Philip Carter (college professor), Millie Merchant (nurse), The Prodigals (Rhythm & Blues Band: Chuck Collins, Teddy Wilson, Billy Smith, Eddie Gales, Gregory Gales, Mike Forte, Gerard Folio, Roy Davis, Maurice Davis, Billy McCoy, Harry Taylor, and Earl Tucker), and Elaine Blue (artist) to name a few! As of 2022, the Kelly Miller School is now the Kelly Miller Community Center.
Erected by The Clarksburg History Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1903.
Location. 39° 16.606′ N, 80° 20.143′ W. Marker is in Clarksburg, West Virginia
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Regionally, this marker is in West Virginia’s Little Kanawha Valley. 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: Kelly Miller (here, next to this marker); Ethel L. Hart (here, next to this marker); Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Clarksburg, West Virginia (within shouting distance of this marker); Stealey-Goff-Vance House (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Palace Furniture Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); John S. Carlile (approx. Ό mile away); Harrison County Soldiers Monument (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clarksburg.
Regarding Kelly Miller School. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 12, 2024, reference No. 100011002.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, November 6, 2025
2. Kelly Miller School Marker
Photographed by Bradley Owen, November 6, 2025
3. Kelly Miller School
Credits. This page was last revised on November 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 78 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 8, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
