Central Academy, Historic African-American school building in Palatka, Florida.
Central Academy is a brick school building with two stories and multiple classrooms located at 807 North 13th Street in Palatka. The structure displays the straightforward design typical of educational buildings from the early twentieth century.
The current building was constructed in 1937 to replace the original 1892 school destroyed by fire in 1936. In 1924, the original school earned recognition as Florida's first accredited high school for African-American students.
This building was a center of learning and community pride for Black residents in Palatka over many decades. It represents the determination of families to create educational opportunities despite significant barriers.
The building is maintained by community restoration efforts involving local volunteers and organizations dedicated to its preservation. Visitors can view the exterior freely, but interior access is limited and should be arranged in advance.
After the fire, the building was reconstructed in 1937 and later served as a transportation office before ceasing its educational role. This unexpected second use shows how the community adapted and kept the structure functional.
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