York in York County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Yorkville Female Institute
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York Graded School
Photographed by Mark Parker, November 1, 2024
1. Yorkville Female Institute side of marker
Yorkville Female Institute. Yorkville Female Institute or Yorkville Female College was the first school here, where private schools and then public schools operated 1854-1987. The institute, founded in 1852, opened in 1854 and built a three-story brick school. During the Civil War it housed refugees for a few years as classes were held on and off site. Yorkville High School, a private boys' and girls' school, operated here 1882-1888.
York Graded School. Yorkville Graded School, a public school, occupied the old institute 1889-1900. It burned, and a new brick school was built in 1902, with an east wing and theater added in 1922. This became an elementary school after a new high school was built in 1951. In 1973 it was renamed to honor George C. McCelvey (1888-1973), principal 1912-1948. Since the school closed in 1987, McCelvey Center has been used by the community and the Culture & Heritage Museums of York County.
Erected 2012 by Yorkville Historical Society and the Culture & Heritage Museums of York County. (Marker Number 46-52.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.
Location. 34° 59.415′ N, 81° 14.392′ W.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Midlands and in the Olde English District. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 110 East Liberty Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); Barnett Brothers Circus, 1929 ~ 1945 / Bennett Brothers Circus, 1929 ~ 1938 (approx. 0.2 miles away); 216 East Liberty Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); 203 East Liberty Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); 213 East Liberty Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); 217 East Liberty Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); 219 East Liberty Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); 105 East Liberty Street (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in York.
Photographed by Mark Parker, November 1, 2024
2. York Graded School side of marker
Photographed by Mark Parker, November 1, 2024
3. Full view of the McCelvey Center former home of York High & Elementary School
Photographed by Mark Parker, November 1, 2024
4. National Register of Historic Places plaque for York Graded School
Photographed by Mark Parker, November 1, 2024
5. York Graded School east wing constructed in 1922
Photographed by Mark Parker, November 1, 2024
6. McCelvey Center signage, west wing of the former York Graded School
Credits. This page was last revised on January 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 23, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 282 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 23, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A link to the National Register of Historic Places nomination form, citing the historical significance of the York Graded School. • Can you help?
