Bluffton in Beaufort County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Michael C. Riley Schools

Photographed By Mike Stroud, February 2008

1. Michael C. Riley Schools Marker...Front

Inscription. (Front text):This is the site of two schools that served the black community of southern Beaufort County for most of the twentieth century. Bluffton Graded School, a small frame building constructed about 1900, was followed in 1954 by an elementary and high school named for Michael C. Riley (1873~1966), longtime trustee of Beaufort County School District #2.

(Reverse text):From 1954 to 1970 the elementary school educated Bluffton's black students in grades 1~8 and the high school educated Bluffton's and Hilton Head's black students in grades 9~12. After county schools were desegregated in 1970, it was an elementary school for Bluffton's black and white students until 1991. A new Michael C. Riley Elementary School opened nearby that same year.

Erected 2002 by The Michael C. Riley High School Alumni Assc. (Marker Number 7-29.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.

Location. 32° 14.462′ N, 80° 51.752′ W. Marker is in Bluffton, South Carolina, in Beaufort County. Marker is on Goethe Road, on the left when traveling south. At the M C Riley Recreational Complex. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bluffton SC 29910, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Bluffton (approx. ¼ mile away); Campbell Chapel A.M.E. (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Burning of Bluffton (approx. half a mile away); Bluffton United Methodist Church (approx. 0.6 miles away); Church of the Cross (approx. 0.7 miles away); Cyrus Garvin/Cyrus Garvin House (approx. 0.7 miles away); Palmetto Bluff (approx. 2½ miles away); a different marker also named Palmetto Bluff (approx. 2½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bluffton.

Reverse side image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, February 2008

2. Reverse side

a part of the MC Riley Complex image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, February 2008

3. a part of the MC Riley Complex

Michael C. Riley Schools Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Glen Umberger, March 29, 2023

4. Michael C. Riley Schools Marker

The MC Riley Compex (Recreational Park) now sits on the school site image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, February 2008

5. The MC Riley Compex (Recreational Park) now sits on the school site

MC Riley sports complex on the old school site image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, February 2008

6. MC Riley sports complex on the old school site

Credits. This page was last revised on March 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 1, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,965 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 1, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 4. submitted on March 29, 2023, by Glen Umberger of Bluffton, South Carolina. 5, 6. submitted on March 1, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.