Zachariah School facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Zachariah School
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 Location in North Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | NC 1239, 0.6 miles S o NC 1244, near Wooten's Crossroads, North Carolina |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1920-1921 |
| Architectural style | Rosenwald School |
| NRHP reference No. | 05000377 |
| Added to NRHP | May 4, 2005 |
Zachariah School is a special old building located near Wooten's Crossroads in Greene County, North Carolina. It is a type of school known as a Rosenwald School. These schools were built a long time ago to help provide education for African American children in the Southern United States.
The school building was constructed in 1920. It was a one-story building made of wood, and it had three classrooms inside. In 1921, a large room called an auditorium was added to the school. This space was likely used for school assemblies or performances. However, this auditorium was removed sometime between 1967 and 1969.
Zachariah School taught students until it closed its doors in 1956. It is an important part of history because it was one of five Rosenwald Schools built in Greene County. Another well-known Rosenwald School in the area was the Snow Hill Colored High School.
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What is a Rosenwald School?
Rosenwald Schools were special schools built for African American children in the early 20th century. This happened during a time when schools were separated by race, which was called segregation. Many schools for African American children did not have good buildings or enough supplies.
Who Started the Rosenwald Schools?
The idea for these schools came from a partnership between two important people:
- Julius Rosenwald: He was the president of Sears, Roebuck and Company, a large retail company. He was a very wealthy man who wanted to help improve education.
- Booker T. Washington: He was a famous educator and the leader of the Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University). He believed that education was key to helping African American communities grow stronger.
Together, they created a program that helped build thousands of schools. The Rosenwald Fund provided some money, but local communities also had to raise funds and contribute labor. This encouraged communities to work together for their children's education.
Why Were They Important?
Rosenwald Schools made a huge difference for many students. They provided better school buildings, more resources, and a chance for a quality education that many African American children might not have had otherwise. These schools became important centers for their communities.
History of Zachariah School
Zachariah School was built as part of this important Rosenwald School program. Its construction in 1920 provided a dedicated learning space for children in the Wooten's Crossroads area.
Building and Changes
When it was first built, Zachariah School was designed as a simple, functional building. It had three classrooms, which were likely busy with students learning different subjects. The addition of the auditorium in 1921 showed a desire to provide more than just basic classroom space. An auditorium could be used for plays, music, community meetings, and other events that brought people together.
School Closure
After many years of serving the community, Zachariah School closed in 1956. This was a time of change in education across the United States.
National Register of Historic Places
In 2005, Zachariah School was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
What Does This Mean?
Being on the National Register of Historic Places means that a building or site is considered important to the history of the United States. It helps to protect these places and makes sure they are remembered for future generations. For Zachariah School, this listing recognizes its importance as a Rosenwald School and its role in the history of education in North Carolina.
