Kingsport in Sullivan County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Douglass High School

1928-1966

Photographed By Lisa Barnett

1. Douglass High School Marker

Inscription.

(Side One)

The only school for African Americans in Kingsport began in 1913 as the Oklahoma Grove School near downtown. With Rosenwald and community funds, the first Douglass School building was constructed in 1928. A new structure was erected on this site in 1951 for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Named for abolitionist Frederick Douglass (1818-1895), the school thrived under the strong leadership of longtime principals A.H. Howell and V. O Dobbins, Sr.

(Side Two)

African American students from Scott County, Virginia, also attended Douglass. It was accredited by the state in 1946, and by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in the 1960's, by which time it was among the largest black high schools in the tri-state area. Because of school desegregation, Douglass' final graduation exercises took place on June 8, 1966. Thereafter the building housed the V.O. Dobbins Community Center.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 1A 143.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. In addition, it is included in the Rosenwald Schools, and the Tennessee Historical Commission series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1814.

Location.

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36° 32.13′ N, 82° 33.199′ W. Marker is in Kingsport, Tennessee, in Sullivan County. Marker is on Wheatley Street, 0.1 miles south of Martin Luther King, Jr, on the right when traveling south. The marker is located East of the actual address listed for the building, on Wheatley Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 301 Louis Street, Kingsport, TN, Kingsport TN 37660, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Donelson Flotilla (approx. half a mile away); Avery Treaty (approx. 0.6 miles away); Train Depot (approx. 0.8 miles away); Bank Of Kingsport (approx. 0.8 miles away); Doyle Lawson (approx. 0.8 miles away); Kingsport Drug (approx. 0.8 miles away); Western Union Building (approx. 0.8 miles away); State Theater (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kingsport.

Douglas High School Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lisa Barnett

2. Douglas High School Marker

Photographed By Lisa Barnett

3. Douglass High School Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 29, 2014, by Lisa Barnett of Jonesborough, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 624 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 29, 2014, by Lisa Barnett of Jonesborough, Tennessee. • Al Wolf was the editor who published this page.