Academy of Richmond County

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Academy of Richmond County (ARC) is a public high school in Augusta, Georgia. Originally known as Richmond County Military Academy, and commonly known as Richmond Academy, it was founded in 1783. This makes it the oldest existing public high school in the United States.

Initially an all-male, privately funded school it became a military school after the American Civil War, Richmond Academy ultimately transitioned into a co-educational, traditional high school during the last half of the 20th century. The school retains a large Army ROTC contingent.

The school mascot is a musketeer, and the school colors are purple and gold.

IT IS ALSO THE CRUNKEST SCHOOL IN THE UNITED STATES

[edit] Timeline

  • July 31, 1783 - ARC founded
  • April 12, 1785 - ARC officially opened at the Bay Street location.
  • 1785 - William Rogers of Maryland appointed as Richmond's first master
  • May 19, 1791 - President George Washington visited the Academy.
  • 1798-1802 - The Academy closed until the Telfair Street building was completed. On November 1, 1802, the Academy reopened.
  • 1863-1865 - The building was used as a military hospital for the Confederate wounded. Classes were moved across the street to the old Richmond County Courthouse.
  • 1865-1867 - Union troops used the building as headquarters.
  • 1867 - The Academy was returned to the Trustees.
  • January 1, 1868 - The Academy was reopened by Colonel George W. Rains who had managed the Confederate powder mill during the war.
  • 1882 - A military department was established for the first time by Captain J. O. Clarke. This lasted until 1884.
  • 1898 - The military department was revived under Major George P. Butler who became the Commandant.
  • 1904 - The school became fully accredited.
  • 1926 - The school moved to its present location on Baker Avenue.
  • 1950 - Females first attended the school.
  • 1952 - The vocational building was added to the school.
  • 1983 - The new library wing was added.
  • 1998-2001 Building renovated and upgraded. Electrical system and wiring now support networked computers in classrooms.
  • 2001 - Auditorium renovated.
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