Smith’s – The Vanishing Schools of Franklin County, VA

Smith’s School

Smith’s School was a one-room schoolhouse for African-American students located in the Blue Ridge district of Franklin County. The school was built on a stone foundation, and it was heated with a stove. The building did not have electricity, running water, or indoor restrooms. Willie B. Helms was a teacher at the school.

Smith’s School (circled),
topographic map of Franklin County,
United States Geological Survey, 1925

Smith’s School (circled),
topographic map of Franklin County,
United States Geological Survey, 1927

Smith’s School (circled),
schoolhouse map of Franklin County,
Virginia State Planning Board, 1935

Smith’s School (circled),
topographic map of Franklin County,
United States Geological Survey, 1944