Established in 1867 following the War Between the States, Oakland Academy served for years as the educational center for this section. Nathan T. Tabor founded it, and John E. Robeson was the first teacher. Originally a private school, it later operated for many years as a church school under the ME Church (South). Students came from this county and surrounding counties. In 1920, when the private school was discontinued, the property was deeded to Gilmer County for a county school. Early teachers included John B. Roberson, W.F. Cruselle, Mary Lewis, Rev. Walter Dillard, Emma Tabor, Harriet E. Tabor, Mary Kirby, and John S. Hudson.