Bluefield in Mercer County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Bluefield State Teacher’s College

Photographed By J. J. Prats, October 16, 2015

1. Bluefield State Teacher’s College Marker

Inscription. Established as the Bluefield Colored Institute by act of the Legislature in 1895. Later the school became an institution of higher learning for Negroes. Renamed and given its present title in 1929.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the West Virginia Archives and History series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1895.

Location. 37° 16.041′ N, 81° 14.199′ W. Marker is in Bluefield, West Virginia, in Mercer County. Marker is on Holbrook Sreet west of Rock Street, on the left when traveling west. It is in front of Conley Hall on the campus of Bluefield State College. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bluefield WV 24701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Bluefield State College (a few steps from this marker); Elizabeth Kee (approx. 0.8 miles away); Bluefield (approx. 0.8 miles away); Tazewell County Va./West Virginia (approx. 1.4 miles away in Virginia); West Virginia (Mercer County) / Mercer County (approx. 1.7 miles away); Bluefield College (approx. 1.7 miles away in Virginia); Andrew Davidson

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(approx. 1.8 miles away); Bluefield Virginia (approx. 4 miles away in Virginia). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bluefield.

Also see . . . Wikipedia Entry. “Bluefield Colored Institute began modestly with 40 pupils under the supervision of Hamilton Hatter, Bluefield State’s first president, although he was denied the prestigious title, instead serving as ‘principal.’ Hatter oversaw the construction of Mahood Hall, the administrative building, as well as Lewis Hall and West Hall dormitories. Hatter was an energetic leader who built the foundation of the College. He faced enormous challenges, running the institution with no legislative appropriations whatsoever for two years. In the late 1920s, the students and staff of the school referred to it as ‘Bluefield Institute,’ but this name was never sanctioned by the West Virginia legislature. In 1906, Hatter handed the reins of leadership at BCI to Robert P. Sims, a graduate of Hillsdale College, who would lead Bluefield State for three crucial decades. Sims showed dedication, commitment, and prudent management in his lengthy tenure at Bluefield State. By adopting formal teacher training—‘normal education’—in 1909, Sims created

Photographed By J. J. Prats, October 16, 2015

2. Bluefield State Teacher’s College Marker

the great role that Bluefield State would play, educating educators to carry traditions of excellence throughout the bustling coalfields, fulfilling the mission of its enabling legislation.” (Submitted on November 11, 2015.)

Mahood Hall, Bluefield State College image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, October 16, 2015

3. Mahood Hall, Bluefield State College

This view is from the marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 11, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 382 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 11, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.

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