Providence – The Vanishing Schools of Franklin County, VA

Providence School

Providence School was a one-room schoolhouse for white students that was located south of Thornton Mountain in southern Franklin County. The school was built with a stone foundation on Route 607, two miles north of Route 605. It did not have electricity, running water, or indoor restrooms. Mattie Wade and Ora Hagler were teachers at the school.

Providence School, c. 1930s
Franklin County Historical Society

Providence School (circled),
topographic map of Franklin County,
United States Geological Survey, 1925

Providence School (circled),
topographic map of Franklin County,
United States Geological Survey, 1927

Providence School (circled),
schoolhouse map of Franklin County,
Virginia State Planning Board, 1935

Providence School (circled left),
topographic map of Franklin County,
United States Geological Survey, 1944