Webb Public School Approved for National Register of Historic Places

McKENZIE — Webb Alumni are celebrating a major milestone in the history of the former school for African-American students. On May 31, the school building was approved for the National Register of Historic Places.

The Tennessee Historic Commission and the United States Department of the Interior approved the application.

Webb Alumni Association is planning a celebration and ribbon cutting on July 20 at the school, located at 938 Walnut Street West, in McKenzie. It’s been since the year 1966 when the school was closed and the African-American students were integrated with other students throughout Carroll and Weakley counties.

The school sits at the border of Carroll and Weakley counties and has a storied history of accomplishments and challenges. The on-site museum is open each Tuesday to tell the story of the school and its proud tradition of teaching young people.

According to the nomination form, the description of Webb School states, “The Webb School building sits on 15.1 acres and was constructed in 1958 in the Modern Movement style…The Webb School was moved to this property in 1937 after the other school building in town burned in 1936. The 1937 building was later torn down due to deterioration and the current building was constructed in 1958. The current school gained historical significance from 1958-1966, when it served as a school for local African American students, grades one through twelve. This school was also the only high school for African American students in Carroll County. The school was later desegregated in 1966, however the building continues to be maintained in its current historic state and is used for a variety of community needs.

“The Webb School retains its integrity and ability to communicate its historical significance as a center for education within the local African American community. The school retains its integrity of location and setting, as the building remains on its historic property from its period of significance and the area continues to be surrounded by residential buildings in a historically African American neighborhood. There have been some alterations to the overall design, materials, and workmanship of the school, including the demolition of the gymnasium in the 1970s due to deterioration, and the addition of ductwork and covering of some windows in the 1980s. Additional changes to the school grounds include the removal of the school agricultural building, dormitory, and cafeteria in the 1960s. However, with the exception of the gym, these other buildings were not attached to the Webb School, and the exterior of the building retains its signature horizontally oriented awning windows, brick siding, flat roof, and original fenestration. Interior changes took place in the late 1970s, which included new floors, paint, and updated classroom doors. However, these interior changes had minimal impact on the integrity of the school, as it retains its original hallway, office, and classroom configuration. As a result, the Webb School also retains its integrity of association and feeling.”