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The Ville, Northside, Riverview
Stowe Teachers College
4306 St. Louis Avenue
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Not open to public
In 1890, the St. Louis school system established Sumner Normal School to train black teachers. In 1929, its name was changed to Stowe Teachers College, after author Harriet Beecher Stowe, whose novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin, had promoted the abolitionist cause in the antebellum United States. From 1930 until 1940, Stowe Teachers College existed in the former Simmons Colored School campus.
The Simmons Colored School historic building served as the Stowe Teachers College campus, an African American normal school and junior college from 1930 until 1940.
The Stowe Teachers’ College Building is now Turner Middle School, located along Tandy Park in The Ville neighborhood. The school was named for scientist and educator Charles Henry Turner (1867-1923).
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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4306 St. Louis Avenue
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