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South St. Louis, Carondelet, South County
Colored School # 12 - Arsenal
Columbus (now Eighth) and Barry Streets
Open to public / Not Open to public
Not open to public
Colored school #12 also known as Arsenal Colored School, was opened in 1880 at Columbus and Barry Streets in the present day La Salle Park area. In 1885, the school had moved to 7th and Hickory St. Five years later it was renamed for Crispus Attucks, believed to be a runaway slave who was killed by the British at the Boston Massacre. The school closed at this location by 1910.
Another Saint Louis Public School, established in the former L'ouverture school building, was also named for Attucks. This Attucks school was located at 2612 Papin Street with branches at 2135 Chouteau and 2022 Papin. It opened during the 1950-51 school year and closed in 1971.
SOURCE: The historical information presented on this page is adapted with permission from Discovering African American St. Louis: A Guide to Historic Sites by Dr. John A. Wright, Sr. We are honored to share his invaluable research and historical insights, made available through the generous consent of Dr. Wright and the Missouri Historical Society Press. Their dedication to preserving and celebrating the rich legacy of Black St. Louis is a gift to our community—a testament to those who came before us and a guide for those who walk the path forward.
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Columbus (now Eighth) and Barry Streets