Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, St. Augustine

Situated along St. George Street, a historic road in the old town of St. Augustine, you'll find the oldest wooden schoolhouse in America. The exact construction date of this landmark wood building remains unknown, but the property first appeared on tax records in 1716.

Minorcan immigrant Juan Genopoly bought the property in 1780 and built a homestead there. He turned the main ground floor room into a classroom, inviting local children from the Minorcan Quarter to attend. Juan and his family became their teachers. In 1864, the last class graduated from the school. The building is sometimes called "The Genopoly House."

Now a museum, visitors can tour the old one-room classroom, the kitchen, the gardens, and even ring the school bell. Inside, animatronic mannequins are there to help bring the school to life. A place called "The Dungeon" is on display, used to punish unruly students! This little piece of history is an interesting place to visit during a walk along St. George Street. Rumors say the old schoolhouse is haunted!