The History of Ina High School Ina (population 2,455) is located in south central Illinois in south central Jefferson County. The main roadway directly to Ina is Illinois Route 37. Interstate Highway 57 provides off-ramps to and from Ina and connects it with Mt. Vernon, its neighbor about 10 miles to the north. The Missouri Pacific Railroad runs through the middle of Ina as well. Rend Lake, one of Illinois’ biggest lakes, is located just west of Ina. According to the 1990 and 2000 Illinois Census figures, a great investment would be into the property around the town of Ina. According to the 1990 census Ina had a population of 489 residents. The 2000 census shows Ina with a population increase of 1,966 residents for a 405% increase!! Ina’s population “explosion” for that time period made it the 3rd fastest growing city in Illinois. We are told this jump in the population of Ina is due to its landing a Correctional Center in recent years. Still, a lot for the folks of Ina to be proud of! The following information regarding the history of Ina High School was provided by Byford Campbell: “The second grade school building was built in 1900. When this building burned in 1921, a brick building was erected, housing the grade and high schools. The Ina High School started with one year offered in 1921-22. A second year was added in 1922-23. A third year was added to the curriculum in 1923-24. Ina High School continued as a three-year high school until it closed in 1947.” In 1947 Ina residents decided to deactivate their high school and keep their grade school for grades K – 8. It is believed that most, if not all, of the Ina 8th grade graduates attend Mt. Vernon High School. The following information was supplied to us by Robert Roberson: “Ina High School was a 3-year school when my mother attended in the late ‘30s. After she graduated from Ina High School, she attended Benton High School since she lived in Franklin County. I believe the high school building is still standing, but as far as I know it is not being used now. The high school building became the Ina Grade School, which I attended in 1st grade in 1961. There were 4 rooms for grades 1-8 with 2 classes in each room. Ina did not have a kindergarten class when I lived there. If there was ever a kindergarten class, it was added later.” Ina High School Quick Facts Year opened: 1921 Year closed: 1947 School nickname: unavailable School colors: Cardinal Red & Grey School Fight Song: unavailable |
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