St. Matthew High School was a “Jewel” for people who lived south of Natchitoches, LA. An application for U.S. National Register was submitted for consideration. The Tigers have a compelling story for recognition.
St. Matthew High School alumni applied for recognition in the National Register. A brief description of its mission and goals for the future is displayed.
St. Matthew’s High School of Melrose, LA is the latest entry to the Significant Notes section of the site.
St. Matthews High School of Natchitoches Parish was the first public high school building constructed for African Americans in Lower Natchitoches Parish. When it opened in 1952, it was one of two public senior high schools for African Americans in the Natchitoches Parish. This entry from the National Register of Historic Places shows the growth of the school from a “church school” serving elementary schools in 1916, until its growth to a full fledged high school in 1952.
Despite the name, St. Matthew’s was a public school with its original classes held in the church.
St. Matthews High School discontinued in 1989.
African American High Schools in Louisiana Before 1970 