History:

The historic town of Edwardsville, Illinois, has always been noted for its strong interest in education. This interest has manifested itself in one-room schoolhouses, large public schools, private schools, and a university. The Edwardsville Community Unit School District, which encompasses approximately 185 square miles of territory in the suburban St. Louis area, is one of the oldest and proudest school districts in the state of Illinois.

The first public school, named after the prominent Judge Dale, was built on Kansas Street in 1864. A tall, imposing, white brick structure, the multi-grade Dale School served students of many ages, including a high school department for older students.

In 1877, a free school for black children was opened in a building that had formerly been used as the county courthouse. The building, located in “lower town” (North Main Street), would eventually become Lincoln School.

The need for another school for the younger students soon became apparent. In 1886, Columbus School,
today District 7’s oldest school, was built on a site adjacent to the Dale School. In 1896, another wing, including eight large classrooms and a tall bell tower, was added to Columbus. Both Columbus and Dale Schools were the work of noted area architect C.H. Spillman.

A rapidly growing enrollment and the community’s emphasis on education soon led to the building of a separate high school in 1910. The Dale School was razed, and a handsome three story building of Tudor design was erected in its place. The new building, given the name of Edwardsville High School, was considered by many to have been somewhat costly for its time, but nevertheless, its dedication prompted a community-wide celebration.