Drayden and the Legacy of the Drayden Schoolhouse
Located in St. Mary's County, Maryland, Drayden is an unincorporated community with a rich historical tapestry. The area is home to several sites of significance, including West St. Mary's Manor, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, and Porto Bello, which received the same designation in 1972.
The Drayden Schoolhouse: A Center for Learning
Among the community's most poignant landmarks is the Drayden Schoolhouse. Established on land donated in 1889 by Mary Ellen and Daniel A. Gross, this small, one-room facility served as a primary educational hub for African American children from 1890 to 1944.
The building followed a Victorian design, a style common among other one-room schools operating in St. Mary's County at the time. To this day, the original green paint remains visible inside the structure. In 2000, exterior paint was applied to the building to help preserve the original sliding planks.
Education in the Valley Lee District
The Drayden Schoolhouse was one of only three schools dedicated to African American children within the Valley Lee District. The educational environment was demanding; a single teacher was responsible for instructing students across grades 1 through 7, often managing as many as forty students simultaneously in the one-room space.
For many years, educational opportunities were severely limited. There were no public high schools available to African American students in the region until 1934. Consequently, most children were unable to pursue a public education beyond the seventh grade. This systemic separation continued for decades, as schools in St. Mary's County were not de-segregated until 1967.
Key Facts
- Operational Years: The Drayden Schoolhouse served students from 1890 to 1944.
- Capacity: A single teacher taught grades 1–7, sometimes with up to 40 students.
- Land Donation: The site was provided by Mary Ellen and Daniel A. Gross in 1889.
- Architecture: The building features a Victorian-style one-room design.
- Desegregation: Public schools in St. Mary's County did not desegregate until 1967.
Historical Summary of Drayden Landmarks
| Site/Event | Date/Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| West St. Mary's Manor | 1970 | Listed on National Register of Historic Places |
| Porto Bello | 1972 | Listed on National Register of Historic Places |
| Drayden Schoolhouse | 1890–1944 | One-room school for African American children |
| First Public High School | 1934 | First public high school for African American students |
| County Desegregation | 1967 | End of segregated schooling in St. Mary's County |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who donated the land for the Drayden Schoolhouse?
The land was donated in 1889 by Mary Ellen and Daniel A. Gross.
What grades were taught at the Drayden Schoolhouse?
The school provided education for children in grades 1 through 7.
When did African American students gain access to public high schools in the area?
Public high schools for African American children were not available until 1934.
What architectural style was used for the schoolhouse?
The schoolhouse was built using a Victorian design, which was typical for one-room schools in St. Mary's County during that era.
When were schools in St. Mary's County finally desegregated?
Schools in St. Mary's County, Maryland, were not desegregated until 1967.