Ridgeview in Hickory in Catawba County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Ridgeview High School

Photographed by Mark Parker, December 7, 2024

1. Ridgeview High School Marker

Inscription. Early records indicate that a school for blacks was established in the community in 1897. In 1927, Hickory's single building for black children was extended through eleven grades. The school was named Ridgeview because of the beautiful mountain views in all directions. Though a fire destroyed the school in 1936, it was rebuilt with an elementary wing. The gymnasium was completed in 1941 and was used for sports, band, and glee club. Being the only gym in the area for blacks, it was also used for theatrical performances, graduations, and community activities. In 1957, a new high school was built, with additional elementary classrooms being added in 1960. Integration laws forced the closing of Ridgeview High School in 1966 and the elementary school followed suit in 1973. The new high school building, the oldest elementary, and the shop were demolished. The gymnasium and cafeteria continue to serve the community.

Erected 2024 by City of Hickory.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1927.

Location. 35° 43.422′ N,

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81° 20.513′ W. Marker is in Hickory, North Carolina, in Catawba County. It is in Ridgeview. It is at the intersection of 7th Avenue Southwest and 3rd Street SW, on the right when traveling east on 7th Avenue Southwest. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 243 7th Ave SW, Hickory NC 28602, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Piedmont.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

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 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: The History of Ridgeview (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Education & Recreation (about 700 feet away); People & Places (about 800 feet away); Mt. Pisgah Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named People & Places

Photographed by Mark Parker, December 7, 2024

2. Ridgeview High School Marker

In the background to the left is the school's cafeteria, currently a day care center. Up the hill on the right was the gymnasium which is now a part of a city recreation center.

(approx. 0.2 miles away); Ridgeview Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away); Faith & Films (approx. 0.3 miles away); Historic Ridgeview Library (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hickory.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Site of Ridgeview High School (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing).

The former Ridgeview High School gymnastics image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, December 7, 2024

3. The former Ridgeview High School gymnastics

Archway to the field of Ridgeview High School image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, December 7, 2024

4. Archway to the field of Ridgeview High School

Home of Ridgeview High School Panthers and the 1964 Untouchables - the school's unbeaten and unscored upon state foot champions. The Panthers won all 12 games up a total margin of 446-0.

Ridgeview High School "Untouchables" image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, December 7, 2024

5. Ridgeview High School "Untouchables"

Credits. This page was last revised on December 13, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 8, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 304 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 8, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.