Last updated: November 20, 2023
Place
Sharon Indian School
Photograph by Julie H. Ernstein, courtesy of the Virginia State Historic Preservation Office
Quick Facts
Location:
13383 King William Rd., King William, Virginia
Significance:
Education, Historic - Aboriginal, Native American, Politics/Government, Social History
Designation:
Listed in the National Register - Reference number 07000764
OPEN TO PUBLIC:
No
MANAGED BY:
Private
The Sharon Indian School, in King William, Virginia, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. It is significant as an example of how the Upper Mattaponi tribe adapted to social and political developments in 20th century Virginia, particularly as it pertains to the state's educational and racial policies.
The first iteration of the Sharon Indian School was built by the Upper Mattaponi in 1919. Because the Upper Mattaponi were a non-reservation tribe, they were responsible for constructing the school, hiring its teachers, and purchasing classroom materials. The Upper Mattaponi's non-reservation status also meant that, despite being run by the King William County school board by 1920s, the Sharon Indian School received little to no state support until mid-century.
Because Native Americans were classified as Black by Virginia's Racial Integrity Act of 1924, they were legally barred from attending white schools. This was particularly significant when students reached high school. While Sharon Indian School taught students through the 8th grade, any student hoping to earn a high school diploma was forced to attend a school outside of the region or even outside of the Virginia, rather than the local white high school. This policy, which was in place through the 1940s, was reminiscent of how children were separated from their families by being sent to Indian Boarding Schools.
The Sharon School closed its doors after public schooling was desegregated by the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision. King William County maintained ownership over the building until 1985, when a resolution allowed the Upper Mattaponi to regain ownership. Today, the Sharon School serves as the Upper Mattaponi Tribal Center. The Upper Mattaponi received state recognition as a tribe in 1983, and federal recognition in 2018.
The first iteration of the Sharon Indian School was built by the Upper Mattaponi in 1919. Because the Upper Mattaponi were a non-reservation tribe, they were responsible for constructing the school, hiring its teachers, and purchasing classroom materials. The Upper Mattaponi's non-reservation status also meant that, despite being run by the King William County school board by 1920s, the Sharon Indian School received little to no state support until mid-century.
Because Native Americans were classified as Black by Virginia's Racial Integrity Act of 1924, they were legally barred from attending white schools. This was particularly significant when students reached high school. While Sharon Indian School taught students through the 8th grade, any student hoping to earn a high school diploma was forced to attend a school outside of the region or even outside of the Virginia, rather than the local white high school. This policy, which was in place through the 1940s, was reminiscent of how children were separated from their families by being sent to Indian Boarding Schools.
The Sharon School closed its doors after public schooling was desegregated by the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision. King William County maintained ownership over the building until 1985, when a resolution allowed the Upper Mattaponi to regain ownership. Today, the Sharon School serves as the Upper Mattaponi Tribal Center. The Upper Mattaponi received state recognition as a tribe in 1983, and federal recognition in 2018.