Lancaster in Lancaster County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Franklin Academy / Oldest Continuous Public School Site in Lancaster County

Franklin Academy side of marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Ronald Patton, April 25, 2023

1. Franklin Academy side of marker

Inscription. Franklin Academy Organized in 1825, was the most widely-known of the four schools that occupied this site. Henry Connelly was its first principal. J. Marion Sims who later achieved world fame as a surgeon was one of its pupils. The building of brick was said by Robert Mills to be a fine structure, two stories high.
Oldest Continuous Public School Site in Lancaster County This land has been dedicated to the cause of education since 1799 when Rev. John Brown, Dr. Samuel C. Dunlap, Wm. Nisbet, John Ingram, and John Montgomery were named trustees for a school, known in 1802 as Lancaster Academy. It grew into Franklin Academy, 1825, the Graded School, 1893, and Central School, 1915.

Erected 1967 by Waxhaws Chapter-Daughters of the American Revolution. (Marker Number 29-8.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1825.

Location. 34° 43.14′ N, 80° 46.416′ W. Marker is in Lancaster, South Carolina, in Lancaster County. Marker is on West Dunlap Street, 0.1 miles west of South French Street, on

Paid Advertisement

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

Click or scan to see
this page online

the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 302 West Dunlap Street, Lancaster SC 29720, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lancasterville Presbyterian Church (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Jail / Robert Mills (about 600 feet away); Lancaster County Law Enforcement Officers Memorial (about 700 feet away); Leroy Springs House (about 800 feet away); Lancaster County Confederate Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Courthouse Lancaster County / John Simpson (approx. 0.2 miles away); Thomas H Davis (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Springs Block (approx. ¼ mile away); Lancaster (approx. ¼ mile away); Lancaster & Chester Railway (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lancaster.

Oldest Continuous Public School Site in Lancaster County side of marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Ronald Patton, April 25, 2023

2. Oldest Continuous Public School Site in Lancaster County side of marker

Franklin Academy / Oldest Continuous Public School Site in Lancaster County Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, March 21, 2016

3. Franklin Academy / Oldest Continuous Public School Site in Lancaster County Marker

This photograph was taken before the marker was refurbished and updated to the current colors of the South Carolina Historical Marker system.

Current school on the property. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Sean Nix, October 28, 2009

4. Current school on the property.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 19, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2009, by Michael Sean Nix of Spartanburg, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,507 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 4, 2023, by Ronald Patton of Lancaster, South Carolina. 3. submitted on June 5, 2016, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 4. submitted on October 30, 2009, by Michael Sean Nix of Spartanburg, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.