The Colored School

The Alapaha Colored School, built in 1924, was the only school for African-American children in Alapaha and the northern part of Berrien County from 1924-1954. In 1945, an addition was added to the rear of the building. The school closed in 1954 when Berrien County consolidated the African-American community schools into one school, Nashville High and Elementary School. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 11, 2002. It is one of the last surviving two-story wood-frame African-American school buildings in Georgia. It now serves as a library and museum.

Visionary Founders

Founders Nathan Bridges and Brutus Shipman were the founders and first trustees of the school, playing a crucial role in establishing this vital educational institution for African-American children in Alapaha. Their leadership and vision in the 1920s laid the foundation for what would become a cornerstone of the community for three decades, providing generations of local children with access to education during a period of severe segregation.

Two-story weathered wooden building with flags in a grassy area, trees in the background.
Wooden desks and chairs in a library, surrounded by bookshelves filled with books.

Community Legacy

Former Mayor Benjamin Davis of Alapaha is a former student of the school and has shared memories of his time there, emphasizing its significance to the community. His firsthand recollections of attending classes in the building reflect the school's important role in shaping the lives of young African-American students and highlight the deep connection residents maintain with this historic landmark even years after its closure.