Atlas High School

Atlas School Building & Student Body (Unk. Year)

Found on Genealogy Trails by Dennis Downey

The History of Atlas High School

Atlas (population approximately 50) is located in western Illinois in the southwestern portion of Pike County. Atlas is located at the intersection of U.S. Route 54 and Illinois Route 96. The Mississippi River flows just five miles west of Atlas. A town of note near Atlas is Pittsfield located 12 miles to the northeast.

The village of Atlas was the first town “laid out” in Pike County, having been established in 1821. It served as the County Seat for a brief period from 1824 to 1833. It was first settled by William Ross and originally named Ross’s Settlement. Folk lore states the name Atlas came from the mouth of one of the first settlers to lay eyes upon the land where the village was eventually located. In seeing the beauty of the area the weary traveler knew it was where they would begin their settlement so he exclaimed “At Last.” The village was begun and officially named Atlas in 1825 (Place Names in Illinois by Edward Callary).

The first school opened in Atlas in 1822, making it one of the earliest in the history of Illinois. We were made aware of the fact that Atlas once supported its own high school via a web site that posts District Basketball Tournament scores from 1922 to 1988 (see below). We believe that Atlas was a two or three-year high school that was open from the early 1900s through the mid-1930s. The kids of Atlas today attend high school in nearby Pleasant Hill.

Atlas High School Quick Facts

Year opened: 1920s(?)

Year closed: 1936(?)

Consolidated to: Pleasant Hill High School

Atlas HS team nickname: ??

Atlas HS uniform colors: ??

School Fight Song: ??

ATHLETICSThe Atlas High School boys participated in basketball. It is probable that baseball and track were offered as well. The team nickname, uniform colors, fight song, coaches names, and season records are being sought.

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BOYS BASKETBALL

Below is the extent of the information we currently have regarding the Atlas High School basketball program. Please contact us if you have further information to add.

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1931-32 Pittsfield District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.

1st Rd lost to Bayliss 27-20

Pittsfield beat Pleasant Hill in title game.

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1932-33 Pittsfield District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.

(As Rockport-Atlas)

1st Rd lost to New Salem 23-16

Hull beat Nebo in title game.

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1933-34 Pittsfield District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.

(As Rockport-Atlas)

1st Rd lost to Perry 48-19

Pittsfield beat Kinderhook in title game.

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1934-35 Pittsfield District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed

(As Rockport-Atlas)

1st Rd Beat Milton 24-22 (O/T)

2nd Rd lost to Hull 51-18

Pittsfield beat Kinderhook in title game.

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1935-36 Griggsville District Tournament Coach’s name & record needed.

(As Rockport Atlas)

1st Rd – Rockport-Atlas 28, Rockport 22

**2nd Rd – Milton 58, Rockport-Atlas 19

Pleasant Hill beat Griggsville in title game.

**Last basketball score listed for Atlas or Rockport Atlas on “Illinois Postseason High School Basketball Scores.”

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EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The Atlas High School kids also probably had a chorus, band, dances, clubs, and other activities to make their high school experience complete. If you have information or memories you would like to share, Please contact us via the means listed below.

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WE WELCOME YOUR IN-PUT

Do you have items you wish to share about Atlas and its former high school? Please drop us a line at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net. A photo of the former HS building is always a great addition.

NOTE: ALL PHOTOS BELOW COURTESY OF GOOGLE STREET VIEW MAPS.