Princeville and School Timeline
This timeline brings together key moments in the intertwined histories of Princeville and Princeville Graded School. It highlights major events that shaped the town’s development, the establishment and growth of its public school, and the community’s ongoing resilience. By presenting these milestones side by side, the timeline offers a broader view of how Princeville and its school evolved together over time.
1863
Emancipation Proclamation Issued
President Lincoln’s order declared freedom for enslaved people in Confederate states, reshaping the future of Black education.
1882
William Patrick Mabson Selected as Principal
Mabson became the first principal of Princeville Graded School, setting the foundation for its academic and civic mission.
1883
Princeville Graded School Opens
The school officially began serving the children of Princeville, becoming one of the earliest formal Black educational institutions in the region.
1885
Princeville Incorporated
Princeville became the first independently governed African American town chartered in the United States.
1887
School Faces First Recorded Flood
Princeville Graded School experienced its first documented flood, marking the beginning of the recurring high‑water events that would affect the town and school for decades.
1910
Advanced Courses Added to the Curriculum
During his tenure, Principal William Perry introduced advanced-level coursework to Princeville Graded School, expanding the curriculum to include high school subjects, allowing the school to graduate its first 8th‑grade class.
1921
Enrollment Reaches 667 Students
Princeville Graded School grew into a thriving educational hub, reflecting the town’s expanding population and commitment to learning.
1943
Walston becomes First Female Principal
At age 37, Helen Arabelle Walston became the first female principal of Princeville Graded School after teaching there for at least a decade. She went on to serve as principal for more than ten years.
1948
Students Start Riding a Bus
The Tarboro City School Board was finally pressed into purchasing a bus to transport Princeville students in grades 5 and higher to East Tarboro for high school. Before this, students had to walk more than two miles each way, a daily burden.
2001
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
The school’s legacy was formally recognized as a site of national historical significance.
About the Author
Saundra Stanley is a researcher and writer dedicated to restoring the stories of the educators who shaped Princeville Graded School. Her work brings forward the names, lives, and legacies of the teachers who served generations of Black students in Princeville, North Carolina.
Contact
Email: pes.research01@gmail.com
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Project Credits:
Research by Saundra Stanley. Historical materials courtesy of families, archives, and community members. Website curated as part of the Princeville Graded School History Project.
Share Your Memories
Did you or a family member attend Princeville Graded School? We’d love to hear from you. If you have photos, stories, or memories of its teachers, classrooms, or community events, please consider sharing them with us. Your contributions help preserve the legacy of Princeville Graded School for future generations.
© 2026 Princeville Graded School History Project. All rights reserved.
With gratitude to the families, alumni, and community members who preserve this legacy.