History

History of Centreville Academy

Centreville Academy was founded with the election of its inaugural Board of Directors in December 1969. The founding board members included Dr. James S. Poole as President, Dr. R. J. Field, Jr. as Vice President, Mrs. S. E. Field, Sr. as Secretary, and Mr. Allen Rollins as Treasurer, along with Mrs. E. B. Robinson, Sr., Mr. W. R. Trask, Dr. Warren Dye, Mr. Joe E. Brian, Mr. William H. Smith, and Mr. Donnie Nutt. Under their leadership, the academy’s first Headmaster, Mr. Hillery Horne, prepared to welcome students for the first time on January 19, 1970. In those early days, classes were held in local churches, while administrative offices were located in the Archer House next to the Presbyterian Annex. The first faculty consisted of dedicated educators including Mrs. Louise Johnson for first grade, Mrs. Jerry Lucas for second grade, Mrs. Ann Netterville for third grade, Mrs. Lucille Anderson for fourth grade, Mrs. Ruth Trask for fifth grade, and Mrs. Janet Etheridge for sixth grade. Secondary teachers included Mrs. Roma Fern Germany for English, Mrs. Minna Erstling for Science, Mrs. Willadean Robertson for Commerce, Mrs. Charlotte Redhead for Math, Mrs. Ruth Smith for English and Librarian duties, Mr. Jimmy Randall for Social Studies, Mrs. Katherine Chapman for Home Economics, and Mr. Al Moore as Coach. The school held its first graduation ceremony on May 26, 1970, at Centreville Baptist Church, where 27 graduates received their diplomas.

The formal groundbreaking for Centreville Academy’s permanent campus took place on May 7, 1970, at its current location on 1419 Academy Street. Thanks to the generosity of several supporters, the school began with a 31-acre land donation. The first two buildings, housing the elementary and high school classes, were completed and dedicated on September 27, 1970, with a total cost of approximately $94,000, including furnishings and equipment. In the spring of 1971, a multi-purpose gymnasium, which also served as a cafeteria and auditorium, was added between the two academic buildings. This addition, costing approximately $60,000, was made possible through the dedication of many volunteers, a tradition of community support that continues to sustain Centreville Academy today. Over the years, additional facilities have been developed to support both academics and athletics, including a lunchroom, a weight room, and field houses for football and baseball. Press boxes have been added for baseball, football, softball, and track, and four concession stands were built to accommodate sporting events. To enhance the game-day experience, new bleachers have been installed for both home and visitor seating at the football field, along with ample seating for baseball and softball games.

Athletics have played a significant role in Centreville Academy’s legacy, with the school achieving multiple state championships across various sports. The football program has claimed nine state titles, while the boys’ track team has secured one state championship, and the girls’ track team has earned five. The softball team achieved an impressive three consecutive state championships, while the baseball team has won two state titles. In 2013, the academy received widespread recognition when Coach Bill Hurst set the Mississippi state record for the most wins by a football coach, achieving his 347th career victory.

Beyond athletics, Centreville Academy has consistently demonstrated academic excellence. The school has received the School of Excellence Award for Science Fairs in seven of 11 years, while students have excelled in Quiz Bowls, Spelling Bees, Math Bowls, and Academic Betterment Competitions. Centreville Academy is a fully accredited member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS). Over the years, its graduates have pursued careers in law, medicine, accounting, banking, education, healthcare, engineering, architecture, and many other distinguished professions. As of May 2016, the academy had proudly graduated 1,764 students.

Throughout its history, Centreville Academy has remained committed to providing a strong educational foundation while fostering a sense of community and tradition. Above all, the school gives thanks to God for His guidance in shaping its legacy. Additionally, the academy expresses deep gratitude to the many parents, teachers, students, alumni, and volunteers who have contributed to its success over the past 45 years. Their dedication has ensured that Centreville Academy continues to thrive as a place of academic achievement, character development, and lifelong community spirit.

History of Centreville, Mississippi

Centreville, Mississippi, originally known as Elysian Fields, was established during the Second Spanish Regime in Mississippi, which lasted from 1781 to 1798, according to the limited historical records available. The area, often described for its towering pines, sprawling live oaks, lush magnolias, rippling streams, and bubbling springs, was given the name Elysian Fields, a term that translates to "Seat of Delight," "Seat of Future Happiness," or simply "any delightful place."

Centreville is uniquely situated in both Wilkinson and Amite Counties. Wilkinson County was officially formed in 1802, followed by Amite County in 1809. During the Second Spanish period, Elysian Fields—sometimes referred to as Amite Courthouse—served as a Spanish trading post. The Amite County Court was occasionally held beneath the expansive live oak trees at the crossroads, emphasizing the town’s significance as a hub of early governance and trade.

Early settlements in Amite County were frequently associated with major transportation routes, and Centreville was no exception. One of the most historically significant roads was the Three-Chopped Way, which extended from Georgia through Alabama to Natchez, Mississippi. This route passed through Liberty and likely veered northwest, making it reasonable to assume it intersected with the Spanish post at Elysian Fields.

Another early road, documented in the Mississippi Archives and History in 1817, connected Natchez to New Orleans. This road crossed the Homochitto River, the 31st parallel north, and the Amite River, passing by the courthouse in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana, before crossing the Tangipahoa River via a bridge. Records from the Orphan’s Court in Liberty suggest that, given its direction, the road likely ran through Elysian Fields, which was said to serve as a relay station for Spanish traders and other settlers in the region.

Further documentation from a W.P.A. historical project describes the road as passing through Williams Settlement and crossing Beaver Creek at Elysian Fields, which may have been named after Elysian Fields Road. Available records indicate that this road connected Elysian Fields to New Orleans. The Old Moore Place, located just one mile east of present-day Centreville, is believed to have been a relay station and trading post for early settlers.

A portion of this historic roadway, which originally connected Liberty to Woodville, followed what is now known as Cherokee Drive. It extended west past Mrs. Ollie Graves' property and eastward, past the William Winans Institute, before intersecting with the C.N. Gallent Road. Travelers could follow this route from Natchez to Liberty, continuing onward to the forks of the Amite River, which was navigable at the time. From there, they could board a boat at Fort Hazard and travel to New Orleans via Lake Pontchartrain. At one point, a stagecoach service operated along this route, connecting Liberty and Woodville and possibly extending further.

It was at this vital crossroads, where major roads and trade routes converged, that Centreville began to take shape and grow into the town it is today.

Reference: Old Centreville 1800-1884 Handbook, Centreville Museum.