Cooper School (Mebane, North Carolina) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Cooper School
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 Location in North Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | S side of SR 2143, E of jct. with SR 2142, near Mebane, North Carolina |
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| Area | 1.5 acres (0.61 ha) |
| Built | c. 1900 |
| NRHP reference No. | 86003451 |
| Added to NRHP | December 15, 1986 |
The Cooper School is a special historic building located near Mebane, in Alamance County, North Carolina. It was once a one-room school for African-American students. This means all the students, no matter their age, learned together in just one classroom!
The school building was constructed around the year 1900. It is a simple, one-story building made of wood. It has a tin roof that slopes down on two sides. The outside walls are covered with plain wooden boards.
A Look at One-Room Schools
One-room schools were very common a long time ago. They were often found in rural areas. In these schools, one teacher taught all the subjects. They taught students of different ages and grades. This was a way for communities to provide education.
The Cooper School was built to serve African-American children. During that time, schools were often separated by race. This was due to laws that created segregation. The Cooper School provided an important place for learning.
Cooper School's History
The Cooper School operated for a few years. It helped many young students get an education. However, it closed its doors in 1907. A larger school, called the Oaks School, was built nearby. This new school could serve more students.
Even after it closed, the Cooper School building remained. It stands as a reminder of early education. It also shows the history of African-American communities in the area.
Preserving History
The Cooper School is an important part of history. Because of its significance, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This happened on December 15, 1986. Being on this list helps protect the building. It also makes sure people remember its story.
The National Register of Historic Places is a list of special places. These places are important to the history of the United States. They can be buildings, sites, or objects. Listing them helps preserve them for future generations.
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