George Fish School
This was the site of Fort Mill's longest operating school dedicated to African Americans. Built on a 4-acre parcel acquired in 1925, the brick school opened in 1926 and cost $12,200, a portion of which was paid by the Julius Rosenwald Fund. The school was named for George Fish (1868-1933), a white mill manager who supported its construction. African Americans were previously taught at the old Fort Mill Academy building 1 mi. SW.
The design of the George Fish school followed the Rosenwald Fund's six teacher floor plan and included six classrooms, an auditorium stage, and library. By the 1930s, the school enrolled grades 1-8 before adding a ninth grade and, by 1941, a high school. It remained a segregated school for African Americans until 1968, when it integrated and became Fort Mill Jr. High. The school was sold in 1986 and later demolished.
Erected 2019 by South Carolina Department of Archives and History, sponsored by Fort Mill School District. (Marker Number 46-68.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. In addition, it is included in the Rosenwald Schools series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1925.
Location. 35° 0.656′ N, 80° 55.994′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named George Fish School (a few steps from this marker); In Honor of Those Who Have Served Our Country (approx. ¼ mile away); World War I Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); World War II Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Unity Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Wilson House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Catawba Fort (approx. 0.6 miles away); Fort Mill Confederate Memorial (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Mill.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 879 times since then and 115 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 21, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
