1

Boone Trail is part of the Harnett County school district, one of 118 school districts in North Carolina. Harnett County serves approximately 17,515 students in 16 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, 4 high schools, and 1 alternative school. Its attendance area encompasses the communities of Lillington, Dunn.

The community of Mamers is outside of Lillington, North Carolina. The population of Lillington and Mamers is approximately 16,000. It is located in western Harnett County. The area university is Campbell University. Another school is Central Carolina Community College. Moen is a major employer near Mamers. Also, Fort Bragg Army Base and Pope Air Force Base are close to Mamers, North Carolina. Boone Trail serves many military students.

Located in rural western Harnett County, Boone Trail Elementary School is filled with history, tradition, and excellence. Boone Trail was given its name because it is believed that Daniel Boone once visited the land the school now resides on.  In the early 1920's, several one-room schools (mostly extensions of the local churches) dotted the area surrounding Mamers.  In the year 1928, the question of consolidating these schools into one large school was brought to the attention of the people.  The consolidated school would take in all the small schools in the area which were Leaflet, Raven Rock, Cedar Grove, Patterson, Mt. Pisgah, Spring Hill, Mamers, Luart, and Cool Springs.

After much discussion, the people were given a chance to vote on the issue of consolidation of the small schools.  The majority of the voters were in favor of consolidation. 

J. N. Bryan & Sons of Raleigh were hired as general contractor for the school.  The land for the school site was purchased from Mr. John P. O'Quinn.  Work on the building was begun in 1928 and completed in time for school to start in October.  The total cost was $105,000.00 including equipment!  Much of the old equipment was brought from the small buildings to use. 
 
In October 1928, the school opened its doors to over 700 students.  Ten buses, each making two loads, transported the students for the school term, which lasted only six months.  There were only eleven grades at that time.  The first graduating class consisted of eleven graduates.

During the second year, Boone Trail had an enrollment of 813, the largest rural school on North Carolina.
 
During the early years, Vocational Agriculture, and later Home Economics were added to the curriculum.  Both of these classes were taught in the basement of the present building.