Fairmont in Marion County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

The Original Dunbar School

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 4, 2013

1. The Original Dunbar School Marker

Inscription. The cornerstone of the first Dunbar School which began as The Fairmont Colored School built in 1903. It replaced the original wood frame building that is marked on the map. Dunbar Street overlooks downtown Fairmont. In 1909 it became known as Dunbar Grade School and was officially designated as a high school by the State in 1916. The current structure on Weatherwax Street was opened in 1929.
Map published by D. J. Lake and CO. in 1886

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical date for this entry is August 23, 1903.

Location. 39° 29.082′ N, 80° 8.606′ W. Marker is in Fairmont, West Virginia, in Marion County. Marker is on Adams Street (U.S. 250) east of Monroe Street, on the left when traveling east. Marker is located beside the sidewalk, and adjacent to the flagpole, directly in front of the Marion County Historical Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 210 Adams Street, Fairmont WV 26554, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Boaz Fleming (here, next to this marker); Sheriff's House (a few steps from this marker); Marion County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Fairmont (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Julia Robertson Pierpont (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Francis H. Pierpont (about 400 feet away); High-Level / Million Dollar Robert H. Mollohan Bridge (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fairmont.

More about this marker. Marker is an acrylic-covered, rectangular plaque mounted at ground-level atop the original Dunbar School cornerstone.

Also see . . . Dunbar School still a beloved Fairmont landmark. There was a time, not too long ago, when children were kept separate. White students went to Fairmont Senior High School, and black students went to the “Colored School,” later known as Dunbar. What is now considered Dunbar High School is located where Weatherwax becomes High Street. It was built to accommodate more students after overcrowding became a problem at the old school building. (Submitted on February 22, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

The Original Dunbar School Marker (<i>wide view; mounted atop original school cornerstone</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 4, 2013

2. The Original Dunbar School Marker (wide view; mounted atop original school cornerstone)

Laid by
Mountain City
3538 G.U.O. of O.F.
Aug. 23, 1903.

(*Grand United Order of Odd Fellows)

Photographed By Bradley Owen, June 7, 2021

3. The Original Dunbar School Marker

The marker is now almost unreadable.

The Original School Cornerstone image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bradley Owen, June 7, 2021

4. The Original School Cornerstone

Laid by
Mountain City
3538 G.U.O. of O.F.
Aug. 23, 1903.

(*Grand United Order of Odd Fellows)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 7, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 394 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 22, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 3, 4. submitted on June 7, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.