Dalton Vocational School Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Dalton Vocational School Historic District
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 Location in Missouri
Location in the United States
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| Location | Junction of 4th St. and Route J, Dalton, Missouri |
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| Area | 123 acres (50 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 02000832 |
| Added to NRHP | August 5, 2002 |
The Dalton Vocational School Historic District, also known as the Bartlett Agricultural and Vocational School Historic District, is an important historical area near Dalton, Missouri. It includes nine buildings and one site that were part of a special school. This school provided education for African American students from Chariton and nearby counties. It operated for over 50 years, from 1905 to 1956.
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What is the Dalton Vocational School Historic District?
This historic district covers about 123 acres. It was once home to the Dalton Vocational School. This school taught students important skills in farming and other trades. It helped many African American young people get a good education. Some of the buildings still standing include the Bartlett Classroom Building (built in 1938) and the Busch Building (from 1909). There was also a Principals Cottage, a Cafeteria, a Machine Shop, and farm buildings like a barn and poultry house.
The Vision of Nathaniel C. Bruce
The idea for this school came from a man named Nathaniel C. Bruce. He was born in Virginia in 1865. Mr. Bruce had a big dream: he wanted to create a school like the famous Tuskegee Institute, but in the Midwest. He called it the "Tuskegee of the West." He had worked at a high school for African Americans in St. Joseph, Missouri before.
Challenges and Success
When plans for the school began in 1905, some local white residents were against it. They worried that the school would bring more African American people to the area. Despite these challenges, the school opened and grew. It became a vital place for education and skill-building for many years.
A Place in History
The Dalton Vocational School Historic District was recognized for its importance in 2002. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a special place that helps tell the story of American history. In 2021, a plaque was placed at the Dalton Cemetery. It honors Nathaniel C. Bruce and his work in founding the school.
