Bridgeforth High School facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Bridgeforth High School
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Bridgeforth High School, May 2014.
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 Location in Tennessee
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1095 Bledsoe Rd., Pulaski, Tennessee |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1936 |
| Architect | McKissack and McKissack; Taylor, Jackson |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 06000697 |
| Added to NRHP | August 9, 2006 |
Bridgeforth High School in Pulaski, Tennessee, was a very important school. It was the first high school for African American students in Giles County, Tennessee. The school first opened its doors in 1937.
The school was named after J. T. Bridgeforth. He was one of the first African-American teachers and educators in Giles County.
The First Building
The very first building for Bridgeforth High School is a special place. It is also known as Bridgeforth School. This building was finished in 1936. It was designed in a style called Colonial Revival.
This historic building is so important that it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as a significant historical site. The famous architects McKissack and McKissack designed it.
The original building was used as the high school until 1958. Then, a bigger school building was built to take its place. In 2006, the first Bridgeforth High School building was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today, a local religious group uses this historic building.
A New Location and Integration
Bridgeforth High School moved into its new, larger building in 1959. It stayed there for several years. However, things changed in 1965. This was when Giles County decided to integrate its public schools. Integration meant that students of all races could attend the same schools.
After integration, the Bridgeforth High School building became a different school. It was renamed Pulaski Junior High School. This school was for students in grades 7 through 9.
Later, in 1978, the junior high school changed again. It became a middle school for students in grades 5 through 8. At this time, it was given a new name: Bridgeforth Middle School. This name honored the important history of the original Bridgeforth High School.
