Hayden High School (Franklin, Virginia) facts for kids
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Hayden High School
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Hayden High School in Franklin, Virginia, July 2020
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 610-678 Oak St., Franklin, Virginia |
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| Area | 5.873 acres (2.377 ha) |
| Built | 1952-1953, 1969 |
| Built by | Silas S. Kea & Sons |
| Architect | Dixon, Washington Irving (W. I.) |
| NRHP reference No. | 12001268 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | February 5, 2013 |
Hayden High School is an important historic school building in Franklin, Virginia. It was built for African-American students during a time when schools were separated by race. The school played a big role in the fight for equal education for all students.
The main building was finished in 1953. It is a two-story brick building shaped like the letter "L." Two smaller, one-story parts were added to it. Later, in 1969, two more classroom buildings were built behind the main school. Hayden High School closed in the 1980s, after being used as a middle school for a while.
A School with a Special History
Hayden High School was named after Della Irving Hayden (1851-1924). She was an important educator who started the Franklin Normal and Industrial Institute. This institute helped train teachers and provide vocational skills.
The school's history is very important because it shows the struggle for fair education. For many years, schools in the United States were segregated. This meant Black students and white students went to separate schools. Often, schools for Black students received less money and resources.
The Fight for Equal Schools
Hayden High School became a key place in the effort to make schools equal. This fight had two main parts:
- Equalization: This meant making sure that schools for Black students had the same quality buildings, books, and teachers as schools for white students.
- Desegregation: This was about ending the separation of students by race. It meant allowing Black and white students to attend the same schools.
Hayden High School was built during a time when communities were trying to "equalize" schools. Even with new buildings, the goal was still to achieve true equality and eventually, desegregation.
A National Landmark
Because of its important history, Hayden High School was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2013. This list recognizes places that are important to the history of the United States. Being on this list helps protect the building and remember its story.
