Schoolhouse(s) Rock!
Go back, back, back to school with a visit to one of the historic educational facilities scattered around central Mississippi! There are several to choose from. The central portion of the state boasts everything from a quintessential one-room schoolhouse to the ruins of what was once one of the nation’s premier educational facilities to a 1920s schoolhouse-turned-restaurant, giving residents of all ages the chance to experience school days of yesteryear, in one way or another.
The Little Red Schoolhouse in Richland
Richland is a small town that’s home to roughly 7,000 residents and one of the state’s most well-preserved schoolhouses from the past. Fittingly dubbed The Little Red Schoolhouse, the historic structure is comprised of vibrant red bricks, making it hard to miss – despite its small town locale. The schoolhouse was built in 1847 for a cost of $3,000. At the time of its construction, it was named the Richland Literary Institute; however, the name was changed to Eureka Masonic College shortly after construction. Age isn’t the only thing that makes The Little Red Schoolhouse historically significant, though. Dr. Robert Morris, the school’s headmaster, founded The Order of the Eastern Star, a worldwide Freemason organization, which focuses on charity, fraternity, education, and science. The building served as an educational facility until the late 1950s. And though it hasn’t been a school for quite some time, you’d never know it by looking at the interior. As if frozen in time, the schoolhouse is filled with antiquated furniture and décor. Between the building and its rich history, a visit is sure to intrigue. Take it from one past visitor, who said of his visit, “We saw a road sign for this site, and as we were on a road trip, took the quick detour over to see what was up. Little did we know that beyond a simple schoolhouse, we would get to see a bit of history by finding the birthplace of the Order of the Eastern Star. Free to walk on the grounds. Sign on the front gate indicate[s] times when site is accessible.”
Roberts Schoolhouse in Hattiesburg
Tucked away in the center courtyard of Owings-McQuagge Hall on the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) campus in Hattiesburg, Roberts Schoolhouse – a one-room, wood-frame schoolhouse that dates back to the late 1800s – is the epitome of a hidden gem. In fact, it’s so elusive, many faculty, staff, and students are completely unaware of its existence. Small in size only, the schoolhouse has a rich history. It was built by Richard Roberts in 1899 for a cost of just $79. The school prospered until 1921, serving both male and female students in grades 1-12. In the early 1980s, Roberts Schoolhouse was moved from its original location in northeast Jackson County to its current location on the USM campus. Today, the historic schoolhouse offers a unique learning experience for education students and for an array of community groups who occasionally tour it.
Elizabeth Female Academy in Washington
Once a premier educational facility, the Elizabeth Female Academy is now in ruins; however, that doesn’t mean you can’t explore it for yourself. Located at milepost 5.1 on the Natchez Trace Parkway, the ruins of Elizabeth Female Academy is the first stop on the famed parkway. Though it might not look like much today, the school is an integral part of history. After its construction in 1818, the school was dubbed the “mother of female colleges,” as it was the first institution of higher learning for women in the South, and possibly, the nation. The academy operated successfully for several decades; however, according to the National Park Service, “in 1845, it closed its doors. This was due to several reasons, but mostly due to the state capital changing from Natchez to Jackson. In the late 1870s, a fire reduced the site to ruins.” Today, visitors can easily access the ruins. Simply look for the sign on the Natchez Trace Parkway and follow the short, paved path straight to the ruins.
Saltine Restaurant in Jackson
Don’t let the name fool you; Saltine Restaurant isn’t just a restaurant and raw bar. It’s also an incredible piece of history, and that’s because it’s housed in a former schoolhouse! That’s right; the building that houses the now popular eatery was built in the 1920s, serving as a Jackson area schoolhouse for a number of years. Today, locals head to Saltine Restaurant for a heaping helping of freshly prepared grub along with a side of history. But it’s not just locals who love the eatery. Recently, an out-of-towner summed up their visit to Saltine Restaurant. “On our first trip to Mississippi we learned that most restaurants are closed on Sundays. We looked around and were very lucky to find the Saltine Restaurant in Jackson. It was a nice décor, a former school, and we had a great meal. We recommend that any visitors to the area should visit this restaurant.”
Daniella DiRienzo is a self-proclaimed southerner who graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2011 and has been working as a freelance writer ever since.
