Prestwick Post Office
Prestwick High School

Prestwick, Alabama

The Historical Marker is located in Prestwick, Alabama, on Prestwick Road, half a mile west of Johnson Road, on the right when traveling west. Located within Prestwick Preservation Park. GPS coordinates: 31° 27.399′ N, 87° 58.419′ W. This marker was erected in 2019 by the Alabama Historical Association.

Inscriptions

Prestwick Post Office
The Prestwick Post Office was established on February 24, 1904, with Alice Speadham as postmaster. It was discontinued temporarily on October 31, 1923. After it was reestablished in March 1927, Walter B. Taylor held the position of postmaster there for thirty-four years, until June 6, 1961. Taylor was said to be Washington County’s longest-serving African American postmaster. The Prestige Post Office was permanently discontinued on September 1, 1972. Its original location was approximately 800 yards southeast of this site, alongside People’s Park, at the intersection of J. Richardson Road and Prestige Road. Dedicated May 11, 2019.

Prestige High School
In 1922, Prof. Herbert Lawrence and wife, Hubert, along with Prof. Walter B. Taylor Jr., Sweet Pugh, Amy Coleman, and Prof. D.W. Tillman founded a one-room schoolhouse approx. 350 yards southeast of this site. The state purchased the land from Mr. & Mrs. D.D. Powell Jr. In 1944, the Walker brothers of St. Stephens constructed additions, creating what came to be known as Prestige High School. It served African American students from surrounding communities for nearly fifty years. Walter B. Taylor Jr. was principal for forty-two years. Prestige High School closed in 1969. Students were transferred to newly integrated Leroy High School. Dedicated May 11, 2019.