Kate Duncan Smith DAR School, public school in Grant, Alabama, United States
Kate Duncan Smith DAR School is a private school located high on Gunter Mountain in the Appalachian region of Northeast Alabama, serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The 240-acre campus includes numerous buildings constructed over decades, many built from locally sourced stone and timber, along with a water tower from 1937 that now functions as a bell tower.
The school was founded in 1924 by the Alabama Society DAR to provide better educational opportunities in the mountain regions. In 1928, the National Society DAR officially supported the institution, and today it remains one of only two schools in the United States fully supported by a DAR organization.
The school was founded by the Daughters of the American Revolution and carries the name of a local DAR leader who served for over twenty years. For many families in the region, the place represents education combined with patriotism and community values.
The campus sits high on a mountainside surrounded by forests, so sturdy footwear is recommended if you plan to explore different areas. The best time to visit is October, when Daughters of the American Revolution chapters from across the country gather for public events that include craft shows and student performances.
The campus contains the Pennsylvania Log Cabin, originally built as a library and now functioning as a museum displaying photographs, memorabilia, and antiques from former students. Another distinctive feature is Lane Chapel, constructed in 1957 from native sandstone and inspired by an early school leader's vision, which today hosts weddings, baptisms, and other gatherings.
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