Bolling, originally known as Lewisburg Colored School, was formed by community members following the Civil War. This grade school only educated students up to the eighth grade. For further education, Black students from Greenbrier County were forced to attend high schools in other areas of the state.
In 1936, the Bolling School expanded to include the twelfth grade. This High School was the only high school open to Black students in the entire county. The current building was built in 1939 after the original building was destroyed by fire.
The decline of Bolling’s student population began in 1954 as Greenbrier County schools slowly began to integrate. The local Board of Education finally closed Bolling as a school in 1964.
The stories of the faculty of Bolling demonstrate the key role the school played in the development and resiliency of the local Black community despite inequalities the school faced.
Use the links below to explore the history of this school and the individuals that made it possible.
In 1936, the Bolling School expanded to include the twelfth grade. This High School was the only high school open to Black students in the entire county. The current building was built in 1939 after the original building was destroyed by fire.
The decline of Bolling’s student population began in 1954 as Greenbrier County schools slowly began to integrate. The local Board of Education finally closed Bolling as a school in 1964.
The stories of the faculty of Bolling demonstrate the key role the school played in the development and resiliency of the local Black community despite inequalities the school faced.
Use the links below to explore the history of this school and the individuals that made it possible.
Explore the Exhibit
Acknowledgement
This exhibit was made possible by the partnership of the Bolling Alumni Association and the Greenbrier Historical Society.
