Knox Institute

Knox Institute and Industrial School was a private elementary and secondary school in Athens, Georgia for African Americans. It was open from 1868 until 1928.[1] Alumni include Monroe Morton, a builder and real estate businessman whose legacy includes the Morton Building in Athens, and Charles W. Chappelle. The school was named for Major John J. Knox of the Freedmen's Bureau. The federal agency helped fund the school. Athens' first African American Postmaster, Madison Davis, was one of those who helped purchase property for the school.

Knox Institute, c. 1910

History
A carpentry class at the school

The Knox Institute and Industrial School was a private school at the corner of Reese Street and Pope Streets in Athens.[1] Originally known as Knox School, it developed as a trade school offering training in carpentry, painting and other skills.[2] It also prepared students to attend Historically Black Colleges. The campus included a building donated by Andrew Carnegie. There was also a boys and girls dormitory for students who did not live nearby.

Athens High and Industrial School

Athens High and Industrial School, originally Reese Street School, took over the Knox campus in 1933.[3][4] It was the first four-year public high school for African Americans in Georgia.[5] A historic marker was added to the site in 2010.[5]

Alumni

References
  1. "Knox Institute - New Georgia Encyclopedia". www.georgiaencyclopedia.org.
  2. Room, Athens-clarke Heritage (June 1, 2011). "This Day in Athens: 1 June 1911: Knox Institute Graduation Exercises Attract Diverse Crowd".
  3. "Title Marker - Historic Markers Across Georgia". www.lat34north.com.
  4. http://onlineathens.com/stories/081510/new_695313100.shtml#.WnQBOnVOk0M
  5. "Athens High and Industrial School". June 16, 2014.

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