Did you know the oldest public school in Georgia is located here in Augusta?
Yes, that's right! not only is it the oldest public school in Georgia, but The Academy Of Richmond County High School is also the oldest in the Southern United States. And the 6th oldest in the entire nation.
While you might imagine, there is much history involved in this school. It is currently undergoing renovations, which involved removing its infamous stairway entrance to Richmond Academy.
This monumental stairway was built in 1926, and as of today they have been completely demolished.
But! The stairs will be back, with the exact same look.
Baker and Sons and Olde World Precast will be working to recreate the historic stairway entrance.
They will add modern amenities, while still keeping its old charm. Two classrooms will be restored back to its 1926 look to be museum pieces.
Some of the Alums from the high school have visited the construction site.
More fun facts about The Academy Of Richmond County High School:
- Before its current location, an old building on Telfair Street was the home for Richmond Academy between 1802 and 1926.
- George Washington delivered the graduation address in 1791.
- During the Civil War, the school closed for a short period of time, and it was used as a hospital for the Confederacy.
- Richmond Academy was a military school after the Civil War.
- It was an all boys school until the 1950’s.
