Participating in the Success of Rural Indiana

Success Story:  Lyles Station School Reopens With USDA RD Assistance

Outline of Need:    Lyles Station, Indiana ’s last remaining African-American settlement, was founded by freed slaves in the 1800’s.  By 1849 Lyles Station in Gibson County was a thriving African-American farm community but serious flooding of the area in the 1900’s precipitated its decline.  Remaining residents and others interested in its unique history wanted to preserve the school and use it as a “heritage classroom” and community center. 

How RD Helped:  The preservation group working on Lyles Station school project raised $1.1 million to restore the school including nearly $800,000 from USDA Rural Development.

The Results:  Soon the historical Lyles Station school house will be available for students to visit and spend time learning about school classes in 1919 and the history of this African-American settlement.  Indiana’s First Lady, Judy O’Bannon, visited the school house in 2002 prior to its restoration and dedicated a state historical marker at the site.  

   Before.....    

  .....and after.

Please send any questions or comments to Kelly.Barmann@in.usda.gov

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 This page was updated on 01/23/04