Columbus in Muscogee County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

William H. Spencer High School

Photographed By David Seibert, August 25, 2012

1. William H. Spencer High School Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

On this site, on November 29, 1930, the first local high school for colored students opened. The school was the result of a grant from the Rosenwald Foundation and was named in honor of William Henry Spencer, Supervisor of the Colored Schools in Muscogee County from 1912-1925. The first principal was Professor F. R. Lampkin, who also served as Supervisor of Colored Schools in Muscogee County from 1930-1945. The teaching staff consisted of 15 members. T. Hicks Fort was President of the Board of Education.

Erected 1990 by Historic Chattahoochee Commission and the Muscogee County School District.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. In addition, it is included in the Rosenwald Schools series list. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1875.

Location. 32° 27.684′ N, 84° 58.782′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Georgia, in Muscogee County. Marker is at the intersection of 10th Avenue and 8th Street, on the right when traveling north on 10th Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbus GA 31901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Holsey Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Friendship Baptist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); “Columbus Stockade Blues” (approx. 0.3 miles away); Ninth Street Branch YMCA (approx. 0.3 miles away); “Ma" Rainey Home (approx. 0.4 miles away); St. James AME Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Bradley Olmsted Garden (approx. 0.4 miles away); First African Baptist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.

More about this marker. One of the stops on the Black Heritage Trail.

Regarding William H. Spencer High School. The original school building burned, and the school was moved to another location. Moved yet again, Spencer High School continues today in Columbus. A later school built on the original site is now closed and fenced off.

Photographed By David Seibert, August 25, 2012

2. William H. Spencer High School Marker

Photographed By David Seibert, August 25, 2012

3. William H. Spencer High School Marker

Looking northwest across 10th Avenue, with a church steeple visible in downtown Columbus in the distance.

Photographed By David Seibert, August 25, 2012

4. William H. Spencer High School Marker

Looking south on 10th Avenue at the intersection with 8th Street.

Photographed By David Seibert, August 25, 2012

5. William H. Spencer High School Marker

Looking east across 10th Avenue at the original site of the William H. Spencer High School. The site is now occupied by a later (now closed) school.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 5, 2017. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2012, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,459 times since then and 226 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 26, 2012, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.