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S.S. No. 13, North Buxton courtesy of The North American Black
Historical Museum
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Photo Courtesy of Cousin Kathleen’s Guide Service
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Photo courtesy of Cousin
Kathleen’s
Guide Service
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Buxton National Historic Site and Museum
21975 A. P. Shadd Rd., N. Buxton
www.buxtonmuseum.com
In 1849 Reverend William King brought 15 slaves from Louisiana
to freedom in Canada. Together they founded the Elgin Settlement
at Buxton in November 1849. At its peak this self sufficient
black community consisted of over 2000 residents including land
owners and business people.
King mortaged his farm to obtain funds to build the mission
school/church. The mission school opened to all children
in April of 1850. By 1857 two schools
were operating one for girls and one for boys with a total enrolment of 140
students. In 1861 a third school, School Section #13 was established. S.S.
#13 was in operation until 1968 and is the only school built by fugitive
slaves still in existence in Canada.
The Buxton Historic Site and Museum offers interesting programs for visitors
and school groups alike.
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