Discover a Legacy of Black Landownership and Education

At the heart of Duck Hill, MS, lies the Spring Hill Church and School, a testament to the indomitable spirit of a self-sustaining black community. Established during the era of Reconstruction in 1870, this community forged ahead against adversity, led by pioneering black landowners. Amidst the challenges of Jim Crow, they erected an accredited school, spanning grades 1 through 12, complete with a gymnasium and even a school bus. Theirs was a beacon of hope, offering the only educational refuge for black girls and boys in Montgomery County, Mississippi, until as late as 1960.

Empowerment Through Knowledge

Above all, Spring Hill teaches us that true strength lies not in the color of one’s skin, but in the pursuit of knowledge. It was here that Gayle Townsend Boclair learned a vital lesson: that no race is inferior. Through education and leadership, Spring Hill empowered its community to rise above adversity, inspiring generations to persevere against all odds.