Leland College was founded in 1870 as a college for blacks in New Orleans, Louisiana, but was open to all races.[2] After its original buildings burned in 1923, it was relocated near Baker, Louisiana. Never accredited, the school closed in 1960 because of financial difficulties.[3]
Leland College | |
   | |
| Location | Off Groom Road, about 0.83 miles (1.34 km) west of Baker |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Baker, Louisiana |
| Coordinates | 30°35′34″N 91°10′53″W / 30.59269°N 91.18136°W |
| Area | 20.9 acres (8.5 ha) |
| Built | 1923 |
| NRHP reference No. | 82000433[1] |
| Added to NRHP | November 10, 1982 |
The 20.9 acres (8.5 ha) area of the Baker campus, comprising four contributing properties and one non-contributing building, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on November 10, 1982.[1][4][5]
The college facilities had become derelict by the time of listing. In the early 21st century, only the ruins of the two dormitories can be seen faintly through trees. The frame classroom, the president's house, and the concrete classroom all disappeared at some time.
Holbrook Chamberlain, a philanthropist from Brooklyn established the school. He bought the land and built the school buildings. John Elijah Ford served as the school’s president.[6]
Notable alumni
- Eddie Robinson - former Grambling State University head football coach - class year 1941
- John W. Joseph - first black mayor of Opelousas, Louisiana[7]
- A. L. Davis - 1949[8]
