Montgomery Street School
Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky
Marker Inscription
Montgomery Street School. Built in 1853, the Montgomery Street School was an educational institution for 155 years. Designed in classic Renaissance Revival style, it is a significant example of a mid-19th century educational facility. During the Civil War, it likely served as a hospital for wounded soldiers after the Battle of Perryville. Over. In 1929, this landmark building was renamed the Emma Dolfinger School after the noted biologist, children's health advocate, and Louisville native. It became the Portland Christian School in 1977, until it was closed in 2008. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Sponsored by the Portland Investment Initiative. Dedicated September 9, 2017.
Erected by Kentucky Historical Society
The Story
Built in 1853 in a classic Renaissance Revival style, the Montgomery Street School served Louisville's Portland neighborhood as a place of learning for 155 years. During the Civil War it likely sheltered soldiers wounded at the Battle of Perryville. Renamed in 1929 for biologist and children's health advocate Emma Dolfinger, it later became Portland Christian School before closing in 2008, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Why it matters
One building's century and a half—schoolhouse, wartime hospital, then school again—compresses much of a neighborhood's history into a single Renaissance Revival landmark.
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Related people
- · Emma Dolfinger
Related events
- · Battle of Perryville
Themes & tags
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