Nestled in rural Gibson County about 60 miles from Linton, the small unincorporated community of Lyles Station stands as one of the last remaining African-American settlements founded before the Civil War. A symbol of Black resilience and self-sufficiency, Lyles Station has also carried a painful secret for nearly a century — one that still echoes through the walls of its restored one-room schoolhouse.
In 1928, ten African American children from the Lyles Consolidated School were selected by county health officials to receive what was falsely described as a treatment for ringworm, a common scalp infection. Without the knowledge or consent of their parents, these children were subjected instead to high doses of radiation—a procedure that would leave many of them with disfiguring scars, malformed skulls, lifelong pain, and deep emotional trauma.
Far from being an isolated medical misstep, this was a deliberate experimental exposure—a dark example of the kind of racially biased medical abuse that has marred American history.
The children, some as young as seven or eight, never received any legitimate treatment. The radiation burned through their scalps, left permanent damage, and in some cases caused neurological complications that persisted into adulthood. They trusted the adults around them — teachers, nurses, county doctors — but that trust was betrayed.
The story remained hidden for decades, like so many other instances of unethical medical experimentation on African-Americans, such as the infamous Tuskegee Syphilis Study or the case of Henrietta Lacks. It wasn’t until recent years that scholars and descendants began bringing the truth to light.
Today, Lyles Station has reclaimed its place in history. The original Lyles Consolidated School has been restored and now serves as the Lyles Station Historic School and Museum. The museum honors both the victims of the 1928 radiation experiment and the community’s broader legacy of strength and survival.
The schoolhouse stands not only as a tribute to those who suffered, but also as a beacon of remembrance and resistance. Inside, visitors can view exhibits, photographs, artifacts, and educational displays about the community and school’s long history.
Understanding what happened in Lyles Station is more than just honoring the past—it’s a call to remain vigilant about medical ethics, racial justice, and the power of truth-telling. The courage of those children and the strength of their community deserve a permanent place in our collective memory.
The Lyles Station Historic School and Museum is open to the public and welcomes students, educators, families, and anyone interested in learning more about this powerful chapter of American history. Guided tours are available, and special events are held throughout the year to engage visitors of all ages.
To learn more or plan your visit, go to www.lylesstation.org.
Take the journey. Hear the stories. Witness the truth. Lyles Station isn’t just a blip on a map—it’s a vital piece of American history that everyone should know.
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The author of this article, Christopher M. Wathen, has also authored books now available on Amazon, including his latest work Finding Telly: A Playful Romance as well as other fiction and non-fiction.