City/Town: • Thomaston |
Location Class: • Educational |
Built: • June 24, 1909 | Abandoned: • 1979 |
Historic Designation: • Historic District (October 14, 2000) |
Status: • Restored |
Photojournalist: • David Bulit |

The town of Thomaston was founded by Dr. Charles B. Thomas and was incorporated on November 15, 1901. In 1907, the Alabama State Legislature voted to set aside state funds to consolidate and establish a school in each county. Dr. Thomas already planned for this and in 1905, had donated land for the establishment of a county school. The town established a Board of Trustees which began to bid for the Marengo County High School. Thomaston was chosen as the location for the school in 1908 and construction began. The building was dedicated on June 24, 1909.
The first classes took place in the fall of 1909. Marengo County High School served the entire county. Many students commuted by train daily to Thomaston from Linden, Dixon Mills, Myrtlewood, Demopolis, and many other towns to attend high school. A gym was later constructed on the property in 1949.
Marengo County High School was used from 1909 until 1979. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Thomaston Central Historic District on October 14, 2000. Abandoned for decades, it has been renovated and currently operates as a grocery store.