Over-The-Rhine in Cincinnati in Hamilton County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Woodward High School / School for Creative and Performing Arts
Woodward High School. William and Abigail Cutter Woodward founded Woodward High School, the first public high school west of the Allegheny Mountains, on this site October 24, 1831. Concerned that the poor of Cincinnati had no avenues for education, the Woodwards donated land, time, funding, and expertise to this venture that brought the arts and sciences to "those who have not the means of procuring such advantages themselves." Notables include Dr. Joseph Ray, principal, 1851-1855, author of several popular mathematics texts; Professor William McGuffey, author of the well-known readers and spellers; and William Howard Taft, Class of 1874, former U.S. President. From 1856-1863, the home of Levi and Catherine Coffin was also located on this site. Both were legendary abolitionists who helped enslaved people escape to freedom in Canada. Levi is often referred to as the "President of the Underground Railroad."
School for Creative and Performing Arts. Since 1976, this site has been home to the School for Creative and Performing Arts, the first, oldest, and, in 2003, still the only school of its scope and breadth in the world. Founded in 1973, SCPA is a public high school for grades 4-12, offering a complete college preparatory academic curriculum combined with a pre-professional, career path training in eight arts majors - Dance, Drama, Instrumental Music, Music Theater, Technical Theater, Visual Arts, Vocal Music, and Writing. Created as a magnet school to achieve equality in education for all students, the school's mission is to provide children who excel in the arts an education that will help them achieve their dreams.
Erected 2002 by The Ohio Bientennial Commission, The Longaberger Company, National Honor Society, SCPA Facta Non Verba Chapter 2002, and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 61-31.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Charity & Public Work • Education. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #27 William Howard Taft, and the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1866.
Location. 39° 6.628′ N, 84° 30.613′ W. Marker is in Cincinnati, Ohio, in Hamilton County. It is in Over-The-Rhine. Marker is at the intersection of Sycamore Street and East 13th Street, on the right when traveling north on Sycamore Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1310 Sycamore Street, Cincinnati OH 45202, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old St. Mary's Church (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mr. Dynamite (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ohio Military Trails (approx. 0.2 miles away); Brown Bodies Bending, 2020 (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Germania Building (approx. ¼ mile away); Crazy Cat, Crazy Quilt (approx. ¼ mile away); Energy & Grace (approx. ¼ mile away); The Kroger Co. / Over-The-Rhine (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cincinnati.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 15, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 2,843 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 15, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.