Rockport in Spencer County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Rockport High School

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 25, 2022

1. Rockport High School Marker

Inscription. In 1857, prominent men of the Methodist Episcopal Church formed the Rockport Academy. The cornerstone was laid in 1859, but the opening was delayed by the Civil War until 1863. The building was 50' x 70', three stories high, and made of brick.

In 1863, the name was changed from Rockport Academy to Rockport Collegiate Institute. Young ladies were graduated in a full college course and young men were prepared for the higher classes in universities.

The building and grounds were bought in 1873 by the town of Rockport for $9,800 and used for the public high school. An addition and gym were built in 1924.

In 1957, a new high school was built on 5th street. This building was then used for elementary students. It was named after the "Edison of Spencer County", A. H. Kennedy who was Superintendent of Schools from 1878 to 1889.

This pillar is what remains of the R.H.S. campus.

Erected 2005 by Spencer County Historical Society • Raymond & Patricia Dawson.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.

Location. 37° 52.918′ N, 87° 3.238′ W. Marker is in Rockport, Indiana, in Spencer County. Marker is at the intersection of Walnut Street and South

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6th Street, on the left when traveling west on Walnut Street. Marker is on the grounds of Rockport Elementary School. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 639 Walnut St, Rockport IN 47635, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Vietnam Honor Roll (approx. ¼ mile away); Daniel Grass (approx. 0.3 miles away); Rockport Pioneer Cemetery (approx. 0.3 miles away); General James C. Veatch (approx. 0.4 miles away); Revolutionary War Honor Roll - Spencer County (approx. 0.4 miles away); Spencer County, IN (approx. 0.4 miles away); A Visit Home (approx. 0.4 miles away); Abraham Lincoln was a Guest in 1844 (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rockport.

Also see . . . What the Beeches Saw. A 1916 literary essay on the school's history, beginning in 1863. The title refers to beech trees that once stood on school grounds. (Eugenie Strassell, Rockport High School Class of 1916, via Spencer County Historical Society) (Submitted on October 4, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 25, 2022

2. Rockport High School Marker

Marker is on the left column; the plaque on the right column is a poem in honor of the school.

Ode to Rockport High School image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 25, 2022

3. Ode to Rockport High School

Credits. This page was last revised on October 4, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 106 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 4, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.