Parkersburg in Wood County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Sumner School / Robert W. Simmons
Sumner School. Established in January 1862 thru the leadership of Robert Simmons. First free school south of Mason-Dixon Line. Later named for abolitionist senator Charles Sumner. First high school class graduated, 1887. Closed in 1955 as state began integration of public schools. Gymnasium erected 1926. Renovated in 1990' as African-American museum and center.
Robert W. Simmons. Prominent member of Parkersburg's free African American community, Simmons was instrumental in setting up Sumner School and state's first Sabbath School for black students. A Republican, he attended the first state party convention and was a delegate to national in 1872 and 1876. Local postal station named in honor of this newspaper columnist, barber, civic and political leader in 1999.
Erected 2003 by WV Celebration 2000-West Virginia Divistion of Archives and History.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.
Location. 39° 16.206′ N, 81° 33.17′ W. Marker is in Parkersburg, West Virginia, in Wood County. Marker is at the intersection of Avery Street and 11th Street on Avery Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Parkersburg WV 26101, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Robert W. Simmons (within shouting distance of this marker); Lamp house (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Calvary Temple Evangelical Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Casto-Douglas-Longacre-Harris House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Vanwinkle-Herceg House (approx. ¼ mile away); Amiss-McCrary House (approx. ¼ mile away); Peter G. Van Winkle (approx. ¼ mile away); Masonic Temple (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Parkersburg.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 31, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 8, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 500 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 8, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 2. submitted on May 31, 2021, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3. submitted on May 8, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.