An 1823 schoolhouse where a prominent African-American was the schoolmaster is back in its original location in a Vermont historic district with the help of 40 oxen.
Middlebury College graduate Alexander Twilight was the Orleans County Grammar School's headmaster from 1829 until 1855. Twilight is believed to have been the first African-American to have earned a degree from an American college or university.
The school was abandoned after the Civil War and relocated in 1869 from its original location to the village center.
22 oxen teams were on hand Monday to once again relocate the school but the power for the move came from a professional house-moving firm's engine. Most of the oxen were provided by 4-H members from Vermont and New Hampshire who traveled to Brownington.
Once back at its original location, the schoolhouse will be restored and upgraded to host community events.
Monday's move attracted more than 1,000 spectators.
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