Oakland Memorial Chapel facts for kids
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Oakland Memorial Chapel
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Main façade of the chapel, 1972
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 Location in Mississippi
Location in the United States
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| Location | Alcorn State University campus, Claiborne County, Mississippi |
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| Built | 1838 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001057 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 27, 1974 |
| Designated NHL | May 11, 1976 |
Oakland Memorial Chapel is a very old and important building. It stands on the campus of Alcorn State University in Mississippi. The chapel was built in 1838. It was originally part of a school called Oakland College.
After the American Civil War, Alcorn State University took over the campus. This university was the first land grant university created especially for African Americans. The chapel is one of the oldest buildings still standing at Alcorn State. Because of its history, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1976. It also became a Mississippi Landmark in 1985.
Contents
What the Chapel Looks Like
The Oakland Memorial Chapel is a special building at Alcorn State University. It is made of brick and has three stories. The roof is shaped like a triangle.
- Front Entrance: The ground floor is like a raised basement. It has a row of brick pillars. These pillars hold up a large porch with six columns. This style is called Greek Revival.
- Columns and Top: The columns are simple and strong. They support a decorative band and a large triangular section at the top.
- Tower: Above the roof, there is a two-part square tower made of wood. The top part of the tower is fancy. It has fluted columns and detailed decorations. A low railing sits at the very top.
The Story of Oakland College
Oakland College was started in 1828. Reverend Jeremiah Chamberlain founded it. His goal was to educate white children in the area.
Reverend Chamberlain was against slavery. In 1851, he died tragically. The school then closed during the American Civil War. After the war, it tried to reopen but closed again soon after.
Alcorn State University's Beginning
In 1871, the state of Mississippi bought the college's land and buildings. That same year, the state created Alcorn State University. This was a huge step forward!
Alcorn State was the first land-grant university in the United States made specifically for African Americans. It is also believed to be the first state-supported school in the nation to graduate a black woman. When the state bought the campus, only three buildings from Oakland College were still standing. The Oakland Memorial Chapel is the best preserved of these old buildings. It is also the most beautiful in its design.
See also
In Spanish: Capilla Conmemorativa Oakland para niños
