Liberty Afro-American High School
The Liberty Afro-American High School, also known as Rosewood School, is a historic site located at 419 East Main Street in Liberty, South Carolina, within Pickens County. Established in 1937 with funding from the Works Progress Administration (WPA), the school replaced an earlier frame building that had burned down in 1935. It served as a significant educational institution for African American students during the era of segregation.
Initially named Liberty Colored Junior High School, the institution began with grades one through nine. By 1945, it expanded to include the tenth and eleventh grades, and by 1949, it offered a full high school curriculum, becoming one of only two black high schools in Pickens County. The school was fully accredited and employed seven teachers, serving over 130 students. Despite limited resources, the school provided practical education in subjects like agriculture, carpentry, and home economics. Students often faced disparities, such as receiving second-hand textbooks from white schools and having to arrange their own transportation.
Following the desegregation of schools in the 1970s, the building continued to serve the community. It became Rosewood Elementary School, accommodating grades one through seven. After the elementary school closed, the building was repurposed for various educational and community programs, including special education and adult education classes. In 2001, the City of Liberty acquired the property and leased it to the Liberty First Baptist Church for use as a youth activity center. The church undertook minor renovations to preserve the building’s historic character.
In 2003, the Liberty Colored High School was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its significance in the history of African American education in South Carolina. The building stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the black community during the era of segregation.