Moor High School: From Segregated Education to Boutique Destination
The story of Moor High is a reflection of the shifting social and educational landscapes of Mississippi. From its origins as a center for Black education during the era of segregation to its modern reincarnation as a luxury destination, the site has undergone a series of dramatic transformations over the last six decades.
The Early Years and Educational Shifts
Founded in 1960, Moor High began its history as a segregated all-black school. For years, it served as a vital educational hub for the community. However, by the late 1990s, the administrative structure of the region began to shift. In 1997 and 1998, proposals were introduced to reorganize the district.
These proposals suggested merging Maben and Sturgis—two schools located west of Starkville—into the Starkville Schools. Simultaneously, there was a plan to create a separate school district for the predominantly Black schools on the east side of Starkville, specifically Alexander and Moor.
Consolidation and Closure
The trajectory of the school changed permanently in 2002 after a fire damaged the facility. In the aftermath, Moor High was merged with Alexander High School, and the resulting institution was renamed East Oktibbeha County School.
Further systemic changes occurred when the Mississippi Legislature mandated the merger of the Oktibbeha County School District with the Starkville School District. This created the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District. Following this consolidation, East Oktibbeha County School was closed, and the student body was transferred to Starkville High School.
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By 2016, the school site had been completely abandoned, leaving the historic grounds dormant for several years.
A Modern Rebirth
In 2023, the site experienced a creative revival. The abandoned school was repurposed into a unique hospitality destination. Today, the grounds house The Hill and Moor, a boutique wedding venue, and The Tangerine Motel, a boutique motel, blending the site's historic legacy with modern luxury.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1960 as a segregated all-black school.
- Major Incident: A fire in 2002 led to the merger with Alexander High School.
- Final School Name: East Oktibbeha County School.
- District Merger: Became part of the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District via legislative mandate.
- Current Use: Repurposed in 2023 as The Hill and Moor wedding venue and The Tangerine Motel.
| Year/Period | Status/Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1960 | Foundation | Established as a segregated all-black school |
| 1997-1998 | Reorganization Proposals | Proposed new district for east Starkville schools |
| 2002 | Fire and Merger | Renamed East Oktibbeha County School |
| Post-2002 | Legislative Merger | Closed; students moved to Starkville High School |
| 2016 | Abandonment | Site left vacant |
| 2023 | Repurposing | Converted to The Hill and Moor and The Tangerine Motel |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Moor High School founded?
Moor High was founded in 1960 as a segregated school for Black students.
What happened to the school after the 2002 fire?
Following the fire, the school merged with Alexander High School and was renamed East Oktibbeha County School.
Why did East Oktibbeha County School eventually close?
The school closed after the Mississippi Legislature forced the merger of the Oktibbeha County School District and the Starkville School District into the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District.
Where were the students transferred after the school closed?
All students were transferred to Starkville High School.
What is the site used for today?
Since 2023, the site has been repurposed as a boutique motel called The Tangerine Motel and a wedding venue known as The Hill and Moor.