Archives Closed Schools A-C: California Colored School

Other Name: Phillis Wheatley Elementary School; Phillis Wheatley Colored School

Last Address: Between 16th and 17th Streets at Harney Street

Year Opened: 1882

Year Closed: 1911

The California Colored School was located in the California area of Louisville.  According to legend, the area was named in honor of California because pioneers on their way to the Golden State briefly settled there.  Alternatively, the name may have originated since the area was considered the "far west" of Louisville at one time.  The California Colored School was renamed in honor of poet Phillis Wheatley in 1911.