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 very old and important place in Amherst, Virginia. It was a school and a community center for the Monacan tribe, an Native American group. This historic site helped the Monacan people learn and gather together. It was especially important because, at the time, many schools and churches were not open to Native Americans.
A Place for Learning and Community
For a long time, Native American communities often did not have their own schools or churches. In 1868, some land was given so the Monacan people could have a meeting place. At first, they met under a simple wooden shelter. Traveling ministers started holding Baptist and Methodist church services there.
Soon after, a building made of logs was built. This log building became the main meeting place. It served about 350 Monacan people. This same building later became the Indian mission school. It still stands today at the foot of Bear Mountain.
The Buildings of the Mission
The original school building was built in 1868. It is a single-story building with just one room. It is made from horizontal logs. Later, in 1908, a wooden addition was built onto it.
A newer school building, called the "New School," was built around the 1930s. This building is a simple wooden structure. It is covered with weatherboard, which is a type of siding.
Next to the school is St. Paul's Episcopal Church. This church is a rectangular building made of wood. It has a special design called Gothic style. It was built in 1930. The original mission church had been destroyed by a fire. There is also a small house nearby. This house was where a mission worker lived.
Recognized as Historic
Because of its important history and unique buildings, the Bear Mountain Indian Mission School was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. This means it is recognized as a special place that is important to the history of the United States. It helps us remember the history and strength of the Monacan people.
