Before it's current incarnation as a long term care facility, this building served another very valuable function in the Franklin community.

In 1873 the Freeman's Bureau began opening schools to educate emancipated slaves following the Civil War. Most of these were one room school houses. In 1888 a school was opened on the site of the current Claiborne-Hughes Health Center building. The Claiborne Institute was named for Professor Willis Claiborne. It operated from 1888 until 1907 when “Franklin Colored School” opened. This school operated from 1907 until 1925. In 1925 the School became known as Franklin Training School. The school became known as Natchez High School in 1966. The current building was built in 1949 and operated as a school and school annex until it's eventual modernization and refurbishing in 1982 in order to open as a long term care facility.

The school has a long and glorious history as the primary African-American High School in Franklin until integration occurred in the 60's. The mascot of the high school was the Panther and the school colors were gold and blue. During CHHC's current renovation the history of the school is being celebrated by the use of these colors throughout the facility. Upon completion of the renovation a picnic on the grounds will be held to commemorate the history of education on this site. Graduates of the schools located on this site are always welcome to visit and to tour the facility. Several of our current residents actually attended school on this site. They remember their time here fondly while in school and we are trying our best to help them create fond memories during their stay here.