As the oldest continuously-occupied European-settled city in the United States, St. Augustine is full of interesting, historical buildings. The oldest wooden schoolhouse in the country is still standing here, and you can visit to see what education was like back in the early 18th-century.
The oldest wooden schoolhouse in America was built some time in the early 1700s. Tax records for the building exist beginning in 1716, but it had likely been serving as a school for several years prior.
John Stavely/flickr Notice the long chain and anchor wrapped around the building? It was put there in 1937 when a hurricane threatened the area.
The small schoolhouse was built with wooden pegs and homemade nails.
Bob/flickr The main level served as a one-room schoolhouse. Back then of course, there was no indoor plumbing, and the bathroom was located in a small building behind the school. Lighting consisted of lanterns.
When you walk into the schoolhouse, you’re greeted by animatronic figures that tell you about what life was like in the 1700s.
Mathew Paulson/flickr The school was light with candles and lamps, making education a dark, dim affair - especially during winter months. Several items from the time period, such as slates and textbooks are also on display.
The school master and children are dressed as they might have been back then.
Cliff/flickr The school began educating girls alongside the boys in 1788, making it the first co-ed school in the country as well.
Some things haven’t changed much since the 1700s.
Cliff/flickr There’s always that kid in class who forgets his homework, or just can’t keep his smart mouth shut. Of course, back then, the school master had the dunce hat to keep kids in line.
Juan Genoply was the first school master at the school.
Cliff/flickr When he married, he built a second story onto the school, and he and his family lived upstairs.
The kitchen was located in a separate building next to the school.
Cliff/flickr It was common practice back then to have the kitchen in a separate building, in case of fire.
A well provided drinking water to the family and students.
Cliff/flickr
The last graduating class attended the school in 1864.
Hillarie/flickr Today, it’s available for the public to view every day of the year, except for Christmas. You’ll find the schoolhouse at 14 St. George Street, St. Augustine.
For more information, visit the website. Have you ever visited the oldest wooden schoolhouse in the country? Tell us what you thought!
John Stavely/flickr
Notice the long chain and anchor wrapped around the building? It was put there in 1937 when a hurricane threatened the area.
Bob/flickr
The main level served as a one-room schoolhouse. Back then of course, there was no indoor plumbing, and the bathroom was located in a small building behind the school. Lighting consisted of lanterns.
Mathew Paulson/flickr
The school was light with candles and lamps, making education a dark, dim affair - especially during winter months. Several items from the time period, such as slates and textbooks are also on display.
Cliff/flickr
The school began educating girls alongside the boys in 1788, making it the first co-ed school in the country as well.
There’s always that kid in class who forgets his homework, or just can’t keep his smart mouth shut. Of course, back then, the school master had the dunce hat to keep kids in line.
When he married, he built a second story onto the school, and he and his family lived upstairs.
It was common practice back then to have the kitchen in a separate building, in case of fire.
Hillarie/flickr
Today, it’s available for the public to view every day of the year, except for Christmas. You’ll find the schoolhouse at 14 St. George Street, St. Augustine.
If you’re into history, take a look at these 14 historic places around Florida.
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