Independence School
In 1875 the Independence School was built. It was the third building used by the school district. The Independence School was the first frame school built in this area. It was used until 1900.
At a glance
- Built
- 1875, as the Acorn Academy
- Renamed
- Independence School, in the early 1890’s
- In use
- Until 1900
- A first
- The first frame school built in this area
- Kind of school
- A subscription school. The parents paid for the building and the teacher’s salary.
- At the park
- Donated and moved to the site in 1992. Restored and dedicated in 2000.
- Open
- The Historic Park is open the first & third weekend of each month from May to October.
The school’s story
The district for the Independence School was the area from the northern edge of Hughes Station (Brighton) to the southern edge of Fort Lupton. This was a subscription school. The parents paid for the building, and the land was donated by a landowner, for school use. The parents also paid the teacher’s meager salary and provided a place to live. In 1864, the first school was held on the Smith Farm, in an abandoned log cabin, left by the “go-backers”. It had a cellar used by the teacher and children in case of Indian attacks. The second was a larger log cabin cobbled together by whatever was available.
In 1875, the school board voted to build the first timber frame school building. It was named the Acorn Academy. The school children named it after a local cattle ranch that used an acorn for its brand. In the early 1890’s it was renamed, Independence School. The environment was far more comfortable, with its six big windows to let in lots of light. It was a portable building that was moved by using log rollers and a team of oxen or draft horses. It was pulled to a new location as the needs of the students required. It was built on County Road 27 and 6¼, and moved several times in the area. Finally, the school building, which was being used to house farm workers was donated to the society and restored.
