Bainbridge in Decatur County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Hutto School
The first school for former slaves in this county was established in 1869 and was known as the Whittier School and Tabernacle for Colored Children. It was on Shotwell Street and had grades 1-7. The name soon changed to Whittier Normal School since graduates were permitted to take state teacher’s exams. In 1895 George Hutto became Principal. The following year, after the Plessy v Ferguson “separate but equal” court decision the Shotwell Street building was torn down and Mr. Hutto was authorized to erect a new school at this site. At that time the name was changed to Bainbridge Colored Grade School. Mr. Hutto served as principal until his death in 1922.
The school was re-named in honor of Mr. Hutto and his widow Addie became principal. By her efforts a matching grant from the Rosenwald Fund was obtained to build a high school on the site. Grade 11 was added in 1928. Accreditation came in 1929 with the name Hutto High School. After 52 years of service Addie Hutto retired in 1942 and William Mann succeeded her. Grade 12 was added in 1953. Hutto High graduated its last class in 1970. Later that year Hutto High combined with Bainbridge High and this facility became Hutto Junior High. In 1990 it became Hutto Middle School.
Erected by Historic Chattahoochee Commission and
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. In addition, it is included in the Rosenwald Schools series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1869.
Location. 30° 54.5′ N, 84° 33.583′ W. Marker is in Bainbridge, Georgia, in Decatur County. Marker is at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Progress Street, on the right when traveling west on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The marker stands at the western edge of the Hutto Middle School. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1201 Martin Luther King Jr Drive, Bainbridge GA 39817, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Flint River Baptist Normal Institute / Union Normal School (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Battle of 1702 (approx. half a mile away); The Tonge Factory (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Battle of 1702 (approx. half a mile away); De Soto Trail (approx. one mile away); El Camino Real (approx. one mile away); In Memory of Revolutionary Soldiers (approx. one mile away); Camp Recovery (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bainbridge.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 6, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 15, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,666 times since then and 176 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 15, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.