Sumner School/Robert W. Simmons
Posted by: 
two-bit Joe
N 39° 16.186 W 081° 33.151
17S E 452338 N 4346859
Dual Marker Parkersburg, WV
Waymark Code: WM1DNK
Location: West Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 04/14/2007
Views: 67
Established in January 1862 thru the leadership of Robert Simmons. First free school south of Mason-Dixon Line. Later named for abolitionist senator Charles Sumner. First high school class graduated, 1887. Closed in 1955 as state began integration of public schools. Gymnasium erected 1926. Renovated in 1990s as African-American museum and center.
Prominent member of Parkersburg's free African American community, Simmons was instrumental in setting up Sumner School and state's first Sabbath School for black students. A Republican, he attended the first state party convention and was a delegate to national in 1872 and 1876. Local postal station named in honor of this newspaper columnist, barber, civic and political leader in 1999.
Marker Title: Sumner School/Robert W. Simmons
Marker Location: 11th and Avery Streets, Parkersburg
County or Independent City: Wood
Marker Program Sponsor: West Virginia Celebration 2000 – West Virginia Department of Archives and History 2003
Marker Number: Not listed
Web Site: Not listed
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