Exploring the abandoned schools in Alabama is like stepping into a time capsule, offering a fascinating glimpse into the state’s rich educational history and the evolution of its communities. These forgotten institutions, once bustling with students and teachers, now stand silent, their empty halls and classrooms echoing the past.
Each building tells a unique story, reflecting the educational aspirations and challenges of different eras.
In this blog post, we delve into the histories of these abandoned schools in Alabama, providing detailed insights into their origins, significance, and current states.
By shedding light on these neglected structures, we aim to preserve their stories and honor the legacy of education in Alabama.
16 Abandoned Schools in Alabama
- Elyton School
- Tankersley Rosenwald School
- Ernest F. Bush Middle School
- Rebecca Comer High School
- Thomaston Colored Institute
- Centenary Institute
- Uniontown High School
- Banks High School
- Sayre Street School
- W. B. Paterson Elementary School
- Chilton County Training School
- Ensley High School
- Powell School
- Old Chilton County High School
- Marengo County High School
- F. D. McArthur School
Elyton School
The story of Elyton School is intertwined with the history of the town of Elyton, which was once the judicial center of Jefferson County. Initially located in Carrollsville, the judicial center moved to Elyton, leading to the establishment of the Elyton School.
This school served the community for many years before being abandoned. The building, now a relic of the past, stands as a testament to the early educational efforts in the region.
Tankersley Rosenwald School
The Tankersley Rosenwald School is a significant historical site, built with funds from the Rosenwald Fund, which aimed to improve the education of African American children in the rural South.
This one-story school provided much-needed educational opportunities to underprivileged children in Hope Hull. Despite its abandonment, the school remains a symbol of the efforts to bridge educational disparities in the early 20th century.
Ernest F. Bush Middle School
Originally known as Ensley School, the Ernest F. Bush Middle School was established in 1901 at 2211 Avenue G in Birmingham. The school was funded under the newly ratified Alabama Constitution of 1901, which aimed to improve public education.
Over the years, the school played a crucial role in the community before it was eventually abandoned. The building still stands, echoing the educational aspirations of its time.
Rebecca Comer High School
Rebecca Comer Vocational High School, located in Spring Hill, Barbour County, was established in 1939 by Philip Alfred McDaniel Jr., the County Superintendent. Initially, the only school in the community was an elementary school.
The vocational high school provided advanced educational opportunities and vocational training to the local youth. Today, the abandoned building serves as a reminder of the community’s commitment to education.
Thomaston Colored Institute
The Thomaston Colored Institute, also known as Thomaston Academy, is a historic African American school in Thomaston, Alabama. The land for the school was donated by local residents, and it served as an educational institution for African American children during segregation.
Although the school is now abandoned, it remains an important part of the town’s history and a symbol of the fight for educational equality.
Centenary Institute
Located in the unincorporated community of Summerfield, the Centenary Institute was a prominent educational institution in the 19th century. Originally known as Valley Creek, Summerfield was home to this Methodist-run school from 1829 to 1885.
The institute was later used as an orphanage before being abandoned. Today, only a set of steps remains, marking the site of this once-thriving educational establishment.
Uniontown High School
Uniontown High School was established in 1892 with Alvin Milton Spessard as its president and principal. The school played a significant role in the community, with a board of trustees that included notable local figures like Gaston Drake.
Despite its abandonment, the school building stands as a historical landmark, reflecting the educational heritage of Uniontown.
Banks High School
Banks High School, located in Birmingham, was approved for construction in 1955. Despite some community opposition, the school was built and served the local population for several decades.
The aerial view of Banks High School from the 1960s shows a bustling educational institution. Today, the abandoned building is a silent witness to the changes in the community’s educational landscape.
Sayre Street School
The Sayre Street School, originally known as Franklin Academy, is the oldest surviving public school building in Montgomery. Established in 1860 as a private boys’ school, it later became a public institution.
The school played a pivotal role in the city’s educational history before being abandoned. The building still stands, offering a glimpse into the past.
W. B. Paterson Elementary School
Named after William Burns Paterson, one of the founders of Alabama State University, W. B. Paterson Elementary School has a rich history. Paterson, born in Scotland, made significant contributions to education in Alabama.
The school, now abandoned, reflects his legacy and the educational advancements of the time.
Chilton County Training School
Built in 1924, the Chilton County Training School was established to provide education to African American students in Clanton.
The school was a significant achievement, completed with the support of the Alabama Register of Landmarks and History. Although it is now abandoned, the school remains a symbol of the efforts to provide quality education to all children, regardless of race.
Ensley High School
Founded in 1901, Ensley High School served the Ensley neighborhood of Birmingham, which was centered around major industrial plants. The school was an integral part of the community, providing education to the children of workers from U.S. Steel and the American Cast Iron Pipe Company.
The abandoned building now stands as a reminder of the area’s industrial and educational past.
Powell School
Originally known as the Free School, Powell School was Birmingham’s first public school and the city’s oldest surviving school building. Named after Colonel James R. Powell, the school opened in 1888 and served the community until its closure in 2001.
Despite a fire in 2011, the building is currently being renovated into an apartment complex, preserving its historical significance.
Old Chilton County High School
On December 22, 1913, the Commissioners Court of Chilton County appropriated $4,000 for the construction of a new high school, which became Old Chilton County High School.
The school served the community for many years before being abandoned. The building remains a historical landmark, reflecting the educational aspirations of early 20th-century Alabama.
Marengo County High School
Founded in 1907, Marengo County High School was established in the town of Thomaston, which was incorporated in 1901 by Dr. Charles Brooks Thomas.
The school played a crucial role in the community’s educational development. Although it is now abandoned, the building stands as a testament to the town’s commitment to education.
F. D. McArthur School
Established in 1903 as Seventeenth Avenue School, F. D. McArthur School was initially housed in a small two-room wooden frame building.
Over the years, the school expanded and served the community until it was abandoned. The building, now a relic of the past, reflects the early educational efforts in Birmingham.
The abandoned schools and colleges in Alabama offer a unique window into the state’s educational history. Each institution has its own story, reflecting the community’s commitment to education and the changing dynamics over the years. By preserving these stories, we honor the legacy of these educational establishments and the people who built and attended them.