San Domingo School, historic school building located in Maryland, USA
San Domingo School is a wooden school building with two stories and a hipped roof, constructed in 1919 on just over an acre of land. It features large windows, wood floors, and a simple rectangular design typical of early 20th-century American school architecture.
Built in 1919 as a school for Black children, it operated until 1957 with only four teachers serving the community. It is one of the few surviving Rosenwald schools in the area, funded partly by Julius Rosenwald's initiative to improve education for Black children when state support was often lacking.
The name San Domingo may reference the Caribbean island where a major slave revolt occurred, though its exact origin remains uncertain. The building stands today as a symbol of the independence and community spirit that defined the historical settlement.
The building is easily accessible and displays its original construction with preserved windows and wood floors visible during visits. It is best to arrive in the morning or early afternoon when sunlight through the large windows illuminates the interior most effectively.
The school is also known as Sharptown Colored School and Prince Hall Masons Unity Lodge No. 73, names reflecting its transformation from a school into a gathering place for a Masonic lodge. This dual purpose shows how the building adapted to community needs and remained a meeting space for local organizations.
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