Midway in Liberty County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Dorchester Academy

Photographed By Mike Stroud, January 4, 2009

1. Dorchester Academy Marker

Inscription. Formal education of blacks started with the Freedmen's Bureau in Liberty County. The Homestead School was continued with the aid of the American Missionary Association (AMA) and support of Reconstruction legislator William A. Golding. The AMA started with one acre of land and 77 students in 1870. In 1874, the Reverend Floyd Snelson succeeded Golding at the school. The AMA and Snelson built a new school and named it Dorchester Academy in honor of its Puritan lineage. In 1890, Dorchester Academy started a boarding school. By 1917, the school had eight frame buildings on 103 acres, 300 students, and become a fully accredited high school.

The academic program ceased in 1940, with the construction of a consolidated public school for black youth at Riceboro. All academic equipment plus $8,000 were transferrred toward that consolidation. Since, the facilities have served the community under the title Dorchester Cooperative Center, Inc. AMA continues financial support.

Erected 1983 by Georgia Historic Marker. (Marker Number 089-26.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.

Location.

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31° 48.09′ N, 81° 27.898′ W. Marker is in Midway, Georgia, in Liberty County. Marker is on Oglethorpe Highway (U.S. 84) near Lewis Frasier Road, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Midway GA 31320, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dorchester Academy Boy's Dormitory (here, next to this marker); We want a school, we need a Teacher 1870-1872 (a few steps from this marker); The Growth Of Dorchester Academy 1874 - 1930s (within shouting distance of this marker); Midway Congregational Church 1872 - Present (within shouting distance of this marker); Elizabeth Moore at Dorchester Academy 1925-1932 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Story of the "Bell" at Dorchester Academy (within shouting distance of this marker); Working Together at the Dorchester Cooperative Center 1930s-1940s (within shouting distance of this marker); Civil Liberties at Dorchester Cooperative Center 1940 - present (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Midway.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each markers shown.

Dorchester Academy Marker, left , shares location with Dorchester Academy Boys Dormitory Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, January 4, 2009

2. Dorchester Academy Marker, left , shares location with Dorchester Academy Boys Dormitory Marker

Dorchester Academy Boys Dormitory image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, July 8, 2008

3. Dorchester Academy Boys Dormitory

Dorchester Academy Boys Dormitory, side view image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, July 8, 2008

4. Dorchester Academy Boys Dormitory, side view

Dorchester Academy remains of a water fountain image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, July 8, 2008

5. Dorchester Academy remains of a water fountain

Dorchester Academy sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, February 18, 2011

6. Dorchester Academy sign

Site plan for Dorchester Academy image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, February 18, 2011

7. Site plan for Dorchester Academy

1970 survey plat of lands of the American Missionary Association/Dorchester Academy.

Dorchester Academy hallway image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, February 18, 2011

8. Dorchester Academy hallway

inside Moore Hall near the offices of the Dorchester Improvement Association.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 21, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,619 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 21, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 6, 7, 8. submitted on April 15, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Christopher Busta-Peck was the editor who published this page.