Lincoln High School (Sumter, South Carolina)

Lincoln High School
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
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Location	20-26 Council St., Sumter, South Carolina
Coordinates	33°55′8″N 80°20′49″W / 33.91889°N 80.34694°W / 33.91889; -80.34694
Area	less than one acre
Built	1937 (1937)
NRHP reference No.	14001221[1]
Added to NRHP	January 27, 2015

Lincoln High School is a historic school building at 20-26 Council Street in Sumter, South Carolina. Built in 1937, the school served as an essential institution for the African American student population during segregation until schools were integrated in 1969. It also played a significant role as a community center for civic meetings and social events. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.^[2] As of 2023, the site operates as the Lincoln Museum & Heritage Complex, preserving and educating visitors about its historical significance.^[1]

Lincoln High School traces its origins to the Lincoln School, established in 1874 as Sumter’s first public educational institution dedicated specifically to African American students. Reverend L.E. Lowery served as the principal and instructor for male students, while Mrs. M.E. Scott taught female students. Initially housed in a modest two-story wooden building, the school's significance grew as it became central to education for African Americans in the region​.^[3]

Between 1910 and 1937, the nucleus of the current facility was constructed, supported significantly by Rosenwald Funds. Julius Rosenwald, in partnership with Booker T. Washington, established a widespread philanthropic effort to construct schools for underserved African American communities across the rural South. Lincoln was among these "Rosenwald Schools," benefiting from critical funds that enabled construction of essential classrooms and vocational shops​.^[3]

By 1924, Lincoln School expanded its academic scope by adding a twelfth grade under Principal J.H. Kilgo, providing a complete high school education that was relatively rare for African Americans in rural southern communities. In 1937, under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and with additional Rosenwald support, Lincoln School transitioned fully into Lincoln High School, receiving a newly modernized facility designed to serve the educational needs of the community more effectively​.^[3]

During segregation, Lincoln High School taught students from ninth through twelfth grades, serving as a critical hub for both academic and vocational training. The curriculum was comprehensive, including courses such as industrial arts, home economics, typing, and rigorous traditional academic subjects. Lincoln became renowned for its strong community traditions, especially through its award-winning student newspaper, The Echo, and its celebrated yearbook, The Lincolnite. These publications documented school life and fostered a strong sense of school pride and student achievement, winning awards at prestigious journalism competitions at Columbia University​.^[4]

In 1947, Lincoln High School significantly expanded with the construction of twenty additional classrooms, a cafeteria, a gymnasium, a library, and a band room. In 1950, it became one of the select few African American schools accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, a prestigious recognition that attested to its high academic standards​.^[3]

The pivotal Briggs v. Elliott case, which originated in nearby Clarendon County, profoundly impacted Lincoln High School. Part of the broader landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision, Briggs v. Elliott challenged educational segregation and prompted South Carolina officials to enact “equalization” policies. As a result, in 1952, Lincoln High School received significant state-funded improvements, including modern classrooms, advanced laboratories, and expanded library and cafeteria facilities designed to uphold the "separate but equal" doctrine​.^[5][6]

Lincoln High School's final graduating class was in 1969. Following desegregation efforts stemming from the Brown decision, Lincoln merged with Edmunds High School to become Sumter High School, symbolizing local progress towards integration. The Lincoln facility continued to serve educational purposes; in 1970, it housed all sophomores from Sumter High, and from 1971 to 1979, it served as St. Jude Central High School. In 1980, it was sold and deeded to Sumter County. In subsequent years, the building alternated between serving freshmen and sophomores again for Sumter High School until 1983, after which it was acquired by Trinity United Methodist Church​. ^[3]

In 2009, after dedicated efforts by alumni, the Lincoln High School Preservation Alumni Association acquired the property, committing themselves to preserving and celebrating the school’s rich history. Their work culminated in the school's designation on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015, underscoring its lasting historical significance​.^[2]

James L. Felder – A pioneering civil rights leader and political trailblazer, Felder played a key role in organizing student sit-ins in Atlanta during the 1960s while attending Clark College. As student body president, he worked alongside icons like Julian Bond and helped mobilize the Atlanta University Center. After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1957, Felder went on to become one of the first African Americans elected to the South Carolina state legislature since Reconstruction. Notably, he was selected to serve as a pallbearer at President John F. Kennedy’s funeral — a symbolic moment recognizing his leadership and service to the nation’s progress in civil rights.^[7]

Leroy Bowman – An original Tuskegee Airman, 1st Lt. Bowman flew 36 combat missions over Europe in World War II with the 332nd Fighter Group, escorting bombers as part of the legendary "Red Tails." His bravery helped pave the way for racial integration in the U.S. military. After the war, Bowman earned degrees from Morris College and Hofstra University, becoming a respected educator and school administrator in New York. He was later honored with an Honorary Doctorate from Tuskegee University and awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by President George W. Bush in 2007 for his service as part of this groundbreaking unit.^[8]

Arthenia J. Bates Millican – A celebrated writer, scholar, and literary voice of the 20th century, Millican began her path as a published poet while still a student at Lincoln High School. Her first poem appeared in The Sumter Daily Item at age 16. She later studied under Langston Hughes at Clark Atlanta University and became only the second Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in English from Louisiana State University. Millican’s short stories and novels earned national acclaim, including a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. Her work remains a powerful testament to the intersections of race, identity, and Southern life.

The Lincoln High School Preservation Alumni Association was founded with the mission to preserve and promote the historical legacy of Lincoln High School. In 2009, the Association purchased the school building, facilitated by significant financial contributions, notably from donors George and Janet Miles. Their generous gift secured clear deed and title and supported the creation of the Lurke Museum. Preservation efforts include renting the facility for events, which helps fund the ongoing maintenance and restoration projects. The Association actively engages alumni and the wider Sumter community in preserving this important historical and cultural site, fostering a strong connection among members and ensuring the history of Lincoln High School remains accessible to future generations.^[3]

Lincoln High School profoundly impacted the Sumter community, offering critical educational opportunities during segregation and serving as a significant cultural and social center. The school's alumni have made notable contributions to civil rights, literature, and education, highlighting its role in African American educational history.^[6] Today, the Lincoln Museum & Heritage Complex, created through efforts led by the Lincoln High School Preservation Alumni Association, serves as a vital educational resource. It commemorates the school's rich heritage, documents the broader historical context of segregated education, and continues to inspire future generations through exhibitions, cultural programs, and community engagement initiatives.^[4]

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Sumter County, South Carolina

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