Denmark Industrial School
The Denmark Industrial School was started by Elizabeth Evelyn Wright after she made attempts to start a school for black children in McNeill, Early Branch, Ruffin, Hampton, Brunson, Fairfax, Ulmer, Ehrhardt, and Govan. Wright faced suspicion, racism, and multiple arson attacks in her efforts to found the school. On April 14, 1897, Miss Wright opened this school with 14 students.
Wright, a graduate of Booker T. Washington’s Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School, sought to extend Washington’s support for vocational training and teacher education. This building, owned by Teresa Sontag, was also a general store. In October Wright moved to a second location before moving to a 280-acre campus in 1902. In that year the school was renamed Voorhees Industrial School.
Where it stands. 1930 Church St., Denmark, Denmark