Columbus in Muscogee County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
First Black Public School
Photographed By Debbie Seibert, November 1990
1. First Black Public School Marker
Inscription.
First Black Public School. . Near here, in July 1872, the first local public school for black students was opened. The school was the result of an action by the City Council directing the Trustees of the Columbus Public Schools to set up classes for blacks. For the first of these, the trustees rented Temperance Hall, built in 1849. Until the 1871 opening of the Springer Opera House, this had been the city’s foremost theater. On its stage had appeared many of the opera, music, and theater greats of the era. Among them was John Wilkes booth. The school operated here until 1874 when it was moved to the former AME church on Sixth Avenue.
Near here, in July 1872, the first local public school for black students was opened. The school was the result of an action by the City Council directing the Trustees of the Columbus Public Schools to set up classes for blacks. For the first of these, the trustees rented Temperance Hall, built in 1849. Until the 1871 opening of the Springer Opera House, this had been the city’s foremost theater. On its stage had appeared many of the opera, music, and theater greats of the era. Among them was John Wilkes booth. The school operated here until 1874 when it was moved to the former AME church on Sixth Avenue.
Erected 1990 by Historic Chattahoochee Commission and the Muscogee County School District.
Location. 32° 28.171′ N, 84° 59.517′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Georgia, in Muscogee County. Marker is on 1st Avenue, 0 miles north of 12th Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbus GA 31901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Oglethorpe House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line);
Looking north on 1st Avenue; there is nothing remaining of the school building.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 9, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,762 times since then and 73 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on October 9, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
