Florence in Florence County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Wilson School / Wilson High School
Photographed By Cindy Bullard, November 8, 2010
1. Wilson School Marker
Wilson School
Wilson School, later Wilson High School, was the first public school in Florence, and stood here from 1866 to 1906. At first a private school for black children, it was established by the New England Branch of the Freedmen’s Union Commission and operated by the Freedmen’s Bureau. Thomas C. Cox, its first principal, later served as Darlington County sheriff. The school became a public school after the S.C. Constitution of 1868 authorized a system of free public schools.
Wilson High School
Rev. Joshua E. Wilson (1844-1915), a Methodist minister, was an early principal of what was long called “the Colored Graded School.” It was most likely named Wilson School for him. The school on this site, a frame building, was torn down in 1906 to make was for Central School. A new Wilson School was built on Athens Street. Wilson High School was on Athens Street 1906-1956 and on North Irby Street 1956-1982. It has been on Old Marion Highway since 1982.
Erected 2010 by the Wilson High School Alumni Association, Inc. (Marker Number 21-31.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1866.
Location. 34° 11.613′ N, 79°
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. F.H. McLeod House (a few steps from this marker); McLeod Medical Center (approx. 0.2 miles away); Florence High School / McClenaghan High School (approx. ¼ mile away); Civil Rights Sit-Ins (approx. ¼ mile away); The Original Site of The Wayside Hospital (approx. 0.4 miles away); Skirmish March 5, 1865 West of Gamble's Hotel (approx. half a mile away); Historic Downtown African American Business District (approx. half a mile away); Frank Mandeville Rogers Jr. / Floreence Tobacco Warehouse Company (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Florence.
Photographed By Cindy Bullard, November 8, 2010
2. Wilson High School Marker
Photographed By Cindy Bullard, November 10, 2010
3. Wilson High School
The high school is on East Old Marion Highway, SE of the intersection of E. McIver Rd. and E. Ashby Rd.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 16, 2010, by David Bullard of Seneca, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,733 times since then and 85 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 16, 2010, by David Bullard of Seneca, South Carolina. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
