Bear Mountain Indian Mission School facts for kids
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Bear Mountain Indian Mission School
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Bear Mountain Indian Mission School in July, 2016
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | Junction of VA 643 and VA 780, southwest corner, near Amherst, Virginia |
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| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1868, 1930 |
| Architectural style | horizontal log |
| NRHP reference No. | 97000152 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | February 21, 1997 |
The Bear Mountain Indian Mission School is a special historic place in Amherst, Virginia. It was once a school for Native American children. It also served as a mission church.
Contents
History of the Bear Mountain School
How the School Started
The Monacan tribe used this school for many years. In 1868, some land was given to the Monacan people. They needed a place to meet. At that time, schools and churches were available for white and Black people. But there were no such places for Native Americans.
First, a simple wooden shelter was used. Traveling ministers held Baptist and Methodist church services there. Soon after, a log building was built. This new building became the meeting place and church. About 350 Monacan people used this church. This log building later became the Indian mission school. It still stands today at the base of Bear Mountain.
The School Buildings
The main school building was built in 1868. It is a single-story building with one room. It is made of horizontal logs. In 1908, a wooden frame addition was built.
A newer school building, called the "New School," was built in the 1930s. It is a simple wooden building. It has weatherboard siding on the outside.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Close to the school is St. Paul's Episcopal Church. This church is a rectangular wooden building. It has details that look like Gothic style. It was built in 1930. The original mission church had been destroyed by fire. There is also a small house nearby. This house was for a mission worker.
Historic Recognition
These important buildings were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. This means they are recognized as very important historical sites.
External Links
- You can read more about efforts to restore the school: "Monacan Indians working to restore school" from The Free Lance-Star, June 25, 2002.
