Phenix City in Russell County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
South Girard High School
(1945-1963/1963-1970)
Photographed by Mark Hilton, August 11, 2024
1. South Girard High School Marker
Now the South Girard Junior High School.
South Girard High School was the first public high school for black students in Phenix City. The school was originally located on 11th Street South. Enrollment began with five students in 1945 and gradually increased to over 400 students in 1963. Professor Arthur W. Fuller was the principal of the school in 1945 along with teacher Ms. Adell Brinson. In 1946, a new brick building was constructed for the school. Mr. J.B. Merriweather served as principal from 1946-1963.
In 1963, South Girard High School moved to the current location under Mr. Lloyd A. Bowie, who remained principal until 1970. The school was a modern advancement in education for black students in Phenix City. It had amenities like central heating and air, a full sized auditorium, gymnasium and cafeteria. The school had 34 classrooms and was accredited. The first graduating class of 1963 had 91 students. The last graduating class in 1970 had 102 students. The school was consolidated with Central High School in 1970 due to integration in the Phenix City School System.
It was listed in the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage in 2013.
Erected 2013 by the Alabama Historical Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1945.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Columbus. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Black Belt. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Coweta Town (approx. 0.6 miles away); Mother Mary Mission School and Church (approx. 1.1 miles away); a different marker also named William Bartram Trail (approx. 1.2 miles away in Georgia); Oglethorpe Meets the Indians at Coweta (approx. 1.3 miles away in Georgia); Dedicated to the Veterans of 1898 to 1902 (approx. 1.3 miles away in Georgia); Memorial Stadium (approx. 1.4 miles away in Georgia); Gertrude "Ma" Rainey (approx. 1.4 miles away in Georgia); Thomas Greene Bethune (approx. 1.4 miles away in Georgia). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Phenix City.
Another marker is no longer nearby. William Bartram Trail (was approx. 1.1 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Mark Hilton, August 11, 2024
2. South Girard High School Marker
Photographed by Mark Hilton
3. (L-R) Esteemed Faculty/First Graduating Class-1946 & 1963 Class/1964 Class/1970 Class
Photographed by Mark Hilton
4. South Girard High School Principals & dedication plaques.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, August 11, 2024
5. Now the South Girard Junior High School.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2024, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 812 times since then and 93 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 11, 2024, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
