The Little Red School House

Liberty, Amite County, MS

In 1853, Rev. Milton S. Shirk came to Liberty from New York State. He was with the Baptist Association and came as an educator.

The school system in the county was already established and the building built. Rev. Shirk started the Amite Female Academy with his own funds. He built three buildings joining the school. They housed pupils, teachers and a music building. Tuitions were paid and the academy was very successful. Young ladies were taught manners, decorum, how to converse, expose to the arts and of course music, besides the three R's.

The Civil War started in 1861. In 1863, a small detachment of Union soldiers came to Liberty to pillage it. The school was torched, 11 pianos were burned.

The music room was to be next. The Union Commander, Colonel John Scott was to give the order. He looked up, saw Rev. Shirk who stood by watching his school bum, and said, "Oh, Goodness, I know you. We were classmates". 

So the order to torch The Little Red School House was never given. That was the only building left standing. 

So she lives on today in all of our Glory.

The Amite County Historical & Genealogical Society

Vera Prestridge

Chairman of The Little Red School House

Visitors are welcome. Contact one of our members listed below and will open The Little Red School between 10:00AM and 3:00PM

601-657-4700

601-657-8352

601-657-4989

601-657-8900

601-657-8915

601-657-8561

601-684-3018