| The History of Charleston Eastern State High School
Charleston (population 21,039) is situated in lower-eastern Illinois in the center of Coles County. Illinois Route 16 is the main roadway to and from Charleston and connects it to Interstate Highway 57 just five miles to the west. Illinois Route 130 also runs through Charleston. The Norfolk & Western and Conrail railroads travel through town as well. Cassell and Riley creeks flow through town and Lake Charleston sits to the southeast of Charleston. According to the Wikipedia website address of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charleston,_Illinois, Charleston was first settled in 1831 and is named after its founder Charles Morton. Charleston was officially incorporated as a town in 1865. Charleston is the county seat of Coles County and is home to Eastern Illinois University. In the early days of Eastern Illinois University a high school was offered on campus as well. Like other college towns of Macomb and Carbondale, Eastern Illinois University had a high school. The history of this high school is in need of research. Eastern Illinois University was established in 1895. A high school was likely established on campus in the late 1890s to early 1900s as well. The folowing bit of information on Eastern State High School was provided to us by 1950 alum Rick Meyers: “This high school was actually known as Eastern State High School when I graduated in 1950. It was Teachers College High School until 1947(?) when the name was changed because Eastern Illinois State Teachers College became Eastern Illinois University. The school colors were blue and gold and the fight song was, I believe, “Stars and Stripes Forever” (Our blue and our gold banners fly, etc, etc.). There are still class reunions from time to time though I have not attended one since 2001. I think the school records are maintained by the EIU Alumni Association and you could probably get additional information there. The school was closed a few years after I graduated, but I don’t recall the exact year.” The year of closure for Eastern State High School could not be found. If you have this information please contact us at eganannn@sbcglobal.net. Charleston Eastern State High School Quick Facts Year opened: late 1800s / early 1900s Year closed: 1950s? Consolidated to: Charleston High School Eastern HS team nickname: the “Vikings” Eastern HS team colors: Blue & Gold School Fight Song: Sung to “Stars and Stripes Forever” |
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