Fourth Ward School

The Fourth Ward School is the last one of its kind still standing in the United States. The 1876 Second Empire, four-storied state-of-the-art wooden school, preserves the real story of life in a booming Old West mining town. Built to accommodate more than 1,000 students in grades 1 though 9, it was divided into three departments: primary (grades 1 through 4); second grammar (grades 5 through 7) and high school (grades 8 and 9). Grades 10 & 11 were added in 1877 and a senior year was added by 1909. It featured many modern conveniences, such as indoor plumbing with indoor flush toilets, hand washing sinks, and drinking fountains, as well as indoor gas lighting and central heat. Probably one of the best examples of Second Empire in town, Fourth Ward showcases a mansard roof, symmetrical facades and has an elevated entrance featuring paired doors.