The Elizabeth School in Monticello

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Located outside of Tallahassee, the c. 1890 Opera House in Monticello is rumored to be haunted.

Photo Credit: Monticello/Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce

Jefferson County's Elizabeth School and Howard Academy High School are notable African American historical sites.

Florida has a rich and diverse history.  African American landmarks and legacies exist in various locations throughout the state. The following historical sites can be found in Jefferson County.  While some of these sites can be visited, other listings are marked "private" and are not open to the public.

Monticello
Elizabeth School in the Dills Community
Groover Road, across from Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church (Private)
Originally housed in the Elizabeth Church, Elizabeth School was established when Miles Groover and his wife, Daisy Black Groover donated two acres of land for the new site. The school building was completed as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project. In 1938 students moved from the Masonic Hall to the new three-room school. The renovated building is now home to the Quins Club, an African American women’s community service organization.


Howard Academy High School
666 East Chestnut Street
In 1936, African American students in grades one through twelve consolidated in this public school building from the Masonic Lodge, Bethel AME Church and Miss Lenora Mills’ store. Constructed in 1940, the second building became the high school and the original became the elementary school.

Adapted from Florida Black Heritage Trail, published by the Florida Department of State, in partnership with VISIT FLORIDA, copyright 2007.  For more information on African American sites, please visit flheritage.com.

Additional information can also be found at: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/milesmedia/floridablackheritage/