The first public school in Hopkinsville operated from 1842 to 1844 out of a log cabin, according to a sketch written by Professor Charles H. Dietrich in William Henry Perrin’s “County of Christian, Kentucky.” Dietrich was superintendent of Hopkinsville Public Schools from 1881 to 1895.
The cabin, which previously housed a saddle tree factory, was located on the southwest corner of what is now Ninth and Campbell streets, in the area of Peace Park.
The school closed in 1844 after a discussion arose regarding imposing a local tax for school purposes.
“This was strongly opposed by many of the citizens, who argued from what at this day would be considered a false, selfish and illogical standpoint,” Dietrich wrote. “The discussion resulted in much bitter feeling, and indirectly in the closing of this school.”
For 27 years after it closed, only private schools operated in Hopkinsville. Then, in 1871, Patty White and Marietta Shipley began to teach the public schools of Hopkinsville, often referred to as “free schools,” Dietrich wrote. There was no public school building and the schools were taught “where taste or convenience dictated.”
On March 13, 1872, the General Assembly passed “An Act to Organize and Establish a System of Public Schools in the City of Hopkinsville for White Children in said City.” The act provided for the issuance of city bonds not to exceed $20,000 for the purpose of establishing public school grounds and buildings, providing for the levy and collection of 35 cents per $100 worth of property owned by white residents.
The measure, which was put to a vote in 1879, passed despite significant opposition.
On Feb. 7, 1881, the school opened on the east side of Clay Street between Fourth and Fifth streets with 324 pupils and seven teachers. It was constructed at a cost of $13,380.25, and operated until 1912.
When it was torn down in 1915, materials from the building were used in the construction of Attucks High School on East First Street in 1916, according to the book “Christian County” by Chris Gilkey and William T. Turner.
Julia Hunter is the engagement editor for Hoptown Chronicle. Reach her at julia@hoptownchronicle.org.
