Oakhill Jackson in Cedar Rapids in Linn County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Washington High School
History Happened Here!
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 27, 2021
1. Washington High School Marker
Cedar Rapids’ first permanent school once stood along the 4th Avenue end of Greene Square. From 1855-1868, it educated students through eighth grade. High school-level programs — considered advanced education until the twentieth century — were added in 1869. A large stone building, now exclusively a high school, replaced the older brick schoolhouse in 1891 and was renamed Washington in 1915. Revered educator Abbie Abbott was Washington’s principal from 1886-1921. The school closed in 1935, standing vacant until demolition in 1946. It was replaced with a parking lot and an American Legion building (demolished 2012). Washington High School reopened at 2205 Forest Drive SE in 1957. A new Cedar Rapids Public Library (built 2012-2013) continues the area’s educational tradition.
Erected by Cedar Rapids Historic Preservation Commission; The History Center; Coe College; and the African American Museum of Iowa.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1855.
Location. 41° 58.669′ N, 91° 39.805′ W. Marker is in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in Linn County. It is in Oakhill Jackson. Marker is on 4th Avenue Southeast just west of 5th Street Southeast, on the
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. George Greene (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Presbyterian Church (about 300 feet away); Iowa Building (about 600 feet away); Roosevelt Hotel (approx. ¼ mile away); George B. Douglas House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Ausadie Apartment Building (approx. 0.4 miles away); Virgil Powell / King Building Police Station (approx. half a mile away); Coe College (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cedar Rapids.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. History Happened Here!
Also see . . . Washington High School.
Washington High School (officially George Washington High School) is a public high school in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Built in 1956, it is named in honor of the oldest high school in Cedar Rapids. Built in 1855, the original Washington High School — not yet known by that name — opened in 1857. In 1869, it narrowed from a general school to a high school. Originally called "the schoolhouse," the "Cedar Rapids graded school," and the "second ward school", it received its(Submitted on February 18, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)current name in 1875 when all the Cedar Rapids schools were named for presidents.History Center Archives Collection2. Marker detail: Old Washington High SchoolA 1932 photo of Old Washington High School at the corner of 4th Avenue & 5th Street Southeast.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 27, 2021
3. Washington High School Marker
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 27, 2021
4. Cedar Rapids Public Library
Credits. This page was last revised on February 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 210 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 18, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 4. submitted on February 19, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
