The earliest record of education in the county is in 1782 when
Peter Cummins "kept" school in one of the pioneer forts.
From then until the 1890's there was not a large county wide system
of education. Each town established and supported a school or
academy of its own. Some of these academies achieved a measure
of notability throughout the area. One in particular was the Pitt's
Point Male and Female Academy. It was built between 1864 and 1866,
and lasted until 1879 when it was sold to William Dawson. For
some time afterwards it was used as a private institution. At
its peak it had an enrollment of around 200 students.
Another school that needs to be mentioned is Eckstein Norton University.
It was an African American school that gained a notable reputation
for being forward thinking. It was founded during the latter part
of the 19th century, partially funded by the L and N railroad
and the Baptist churches. It was in operation until around 1912.
Parts of the original building still stand near Clermont, reminiscent
of the time when it played an important part of Bullitt County's
history.
Every community had its own schools during the early
part of the twentieth century. They were typically one room schoolhouses
where all grades were taught together. An example of this was
the Pleasant Grove log school that met on the old Smith Farm.