Paul Laurence Dunbar School

Sussex County · dedicated 2019 · 499 West 6th Street, Laurel

The Paul Laurence Dunbar School educated African American students in Laurel in grades 1-11 from 1921-1965. Constructed as part of philanthropist Pierre S. du Pont’s school rebuilding program, the Dunbar School replaced a small wood-framed school in West Laurel built in 1867. The new building was named for black poet Paul Laurence Dunbar and also served as a center for social activity in the West Laurel community. The school expanded in 1935 and 1955 by adding classrooms and a multipurpose room. The Laurel School District desegregated in 1965 and the Dunbar School continued to serve as an elementary school until it closed in 2018.

David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries

Report a problem with this page

The marker isn't at this spotOur pin may be off. If you know where it stands, tell us.I couldn't find the markerWe record what the source recorded. We have not been to look.The sign reads differentlyThat would be an error, and we can pass it to the program.The historical map looks wrongThe period map behind the pin, not the marker itself.Something else

We may pass what you report to the state's marker program. Please don't include personal details.

Source: State of Delaware Historical Markers Program, administered by the Delaware Public Archives.
TreeAlive is an independent project and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the State of Delaware or the Delaware Public Archives.

More markers nearby

Christ United Methodist Churchunder 1 mi
Centenary United Methodist Churchunder 1 mi
Hope Lodge No. 4 Grand Lodge of Delaware, A.F. & A.M.under 1 mi
Wading Placeunder 1 mi

See your own family's places through time.

Start with your family tree