Legacy of Learning: The Story of Lincoln High School, Sumter, SC

In the heart of Sumter, South Carolina, stands Lincoln High School, a storied institution whose legacy transcends brick and mortar. Founded in 1874 and reconstructed in 1937 with the help of Rosenwald Funds and the Works Progress Administration, Lincoln High School played a vital role in African American education during segregation. Beyond academia, it became a community pillar, hosting civic gatherings and shaping generations of leaders, educators, and cultural icons. In 2025, it lives on as the Lincoln Museum & Heritage Complex—a beacon of historical preservation and educational pride.

Historical Foundations

Lincoln High School’s roots trace back to the post-Reconstruction era when African Americans across the South sought educational empowerment despite immense adversity. Known initially as Lincoln School, it opened in 1874 with Reverend L.E. Lowery instructing boys and Mrs. M.E. Scott teaching girls. Housed in a modest wooden structure, the school served as a lifeline for Black students in Sumter and surrounding rural areas.

The school’s growth between 1910 and 1937 was significantly bolstered by Rosenwald Funds—an initiative championed by philanthropist Julius Rosenwald and educator Booker T. Washington to support schools for Black children in the segregated South. These funds, along with WPA assistance, helped construct a modern facility that reflected the aspirations of a thriving community.

Academic Expansion and Cultural

Flourishing

Lincoln School’s transformation into Lincoln High School in 1937 marked a turning point. Under Principal J.H. Kilgo, the school added a 12th-grade program by 1924, an uncommon achievement for Black schools in rural regions at the time. Lincoln’s curriculum included industrial arts, home economics, business education, and a robust liberal arts core, preparing

Echo (newspaper) and The Lincolnite (yearbook), both of which received accolades at national competitions held by Columbia University. These platforms nurtured student voice, creativity, and civic consciousness.

In 1947, the school expanded further with new classrooms, a gymnasium, a cafeteria, a band room, and a library. By 1950, it achieved accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools—a rare honor that underscored its high standards.

Civil Rights and Integration

Lincoln High School’s journey is tied to America’s civil rights struggle. The landmark case Briggs v. Elliott in neighboring Clarendon County, a key precursor to Brown v. Board of Education, catalyzed reforms across South Carolina. In response to mounting pressure, Lincoln received significant “equalization” investments in 1952—expanded laboratories, libraries, and cafeteria facilities meant to maintain the separate but equal façade.

Despite these improvements, the actual transformation came with desegregation. In 1969, Lincoln High School graduated its final class, merging with Edmunds High to form Sumter High School. The building continued to educate—alternately housing freshmen and sophomores—until the early 1980s. Subsequent uses included serving as St. Jude Central High School and as property of Trinity United Methodist Church.

Notable Alumni

James L. Felder

A 1957 graduate, Felder became a stalwart of civil rights and legislative progress. While at Clark College, he organized student sit-ins and worked with Julian Bond. Felder later made history as one of the first African Americans elected to the South Carolina legislature since Reconstruction and served as a pallbearer for President John F. Kennedy.

Leroy Bowman

Tuskegee Airman and World War II combat pilot, 1st Lt. Bowman, flew 36 missions with the famed Red Tails. Post-war, he pursued a career in education, earning numerous honors, including the Congressional Gold Medal.

Arthenia J. Bates Millican

Poet and author, Millican’s literary journey began at Lincoln High School. Mentored by Langston Hughes at Clark Atlanta University, she became a pioneering Black female academic, publishing works that explored identity, race, and Southern life.

Preservation and Community Engagement

In 2009, the Lincoln High School Preservation Alumni Association was formed, led by passionate alumni and supporters. With a landmark donation from George and Janet Miles, the group purchased the building and began its transformation into the Lincoln Museum & Heritage Complex. Today's museum serves as a cultural anchor, offering exhibits on segregated education, notable alumni, and the broader civil rights movement. Community events, school tours, and rotating exhibitions ensure Lincoln’s story remains vibrant and relevant.

Legacy and Continuing Impact

Lincoln High School is more than a historical site—it symbolizes resilience, excellence, and hope. It empowered generations during institutionalized exclusion and nurtured voices that would shape South Carolina and the nation. Lincoln's legacy lives on through its alumni, preservation advocates, and every visitor who walks its halls to learn, reflect, and be inspired. As part of the National Register of Historic Places and as a living museum, Lincoln High School continues to teach lessons of perseverance, dignity, and the transformative power of education.