As early as 1884 formal education for the black community was being offered in our area. Schools were being operated in Roan Mountain, Happy Valley, Gap Creek, Elizabethton, Hampton, and Watauga. In the early 1890's a black only school opened in the Cat Island area of Elizabethton. The one-room school was taught by Lizzie Patton. In 1894 a black pastor by the name of W.A.C. Breedlove came to the area as a pastor of a local church. He taught the black community for the next 40 years.

In 1901, the great Doe River flood destroyed the Cat Island school and operations were moved to an existing building on the Douglas property which is now Watauga Avenue. The school was named Douglas School after Fredrick Douglas and continued as a black only school.

     This school was in operation from 1901 through 1965.  This school was added to the Elizabethton school system in 1925. Initially it served as an elementary school and in the mid 1930's was converted into a two year high school. In 1937 the school changed into a three year high school and in 1938 a twelth grade was added which created a full four year high school. Integration of black and white students began in 1960 and full integration occurred in 1965.

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     In fall of 1965, what is thought to be the first Kindergarten class in the Elizabethton School system was started at Doulgas School. I was honored to be part of this class and am proud to be considered a Douglas School alumni.

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Douglas School building now serves as our Elizabethton City School headquarters.

 

     Our team continues to search for information including photos and memorabilia relating to the Douglas School. If you have any corrections or additional information, please contact us using the link below.