Written by Kathryn Begle
Established in 1854, Central High School was the first high school in Evansville. Today, it is the oldest high school still in use west of the Allegheny Mountains. Originally called Evansville High School, the institution had no permanent building for itself until 1868.
When the school opened, eight boys and nine girls were enrolled to make a total of seventeen new students. By the end of the year, records show that enrollment had increased to thirty. In 1897-98, two wings and a central tower were added to the building built in 1868.
The first senior yearbook, The Annual, was published in 1909. In 1927, a boys gymnasium was built across the street. Today, it is the only original part of Central High School still standing. The "old" Central was demolished in 1973 when the "new" Central High School was built.
To learn more about Central High School and other Evansville High Schools check out the links below:
http://www.usgennet.org/usa/in/county/vanderburgh/index.html