The History of Warrensburg High School
Warrensburg (population 1,289) is located in central Illinois about six miles northwest of Decatur.
Illinois Route 121 is the main roadway taking you to and from this near-northwestern Macon County town. The Illinois
Central Gulf Railroad also makes its way through Warrensburg. The town was first discussed being platted in 1841.
It was in 1861 that the Illinois Central Railroad was established through the area where Warrensburg was eventually inhabited.
The town was officially incorporated in 1882. More on the history of Warrensburg can be read at the town's official
website address of http://www.warrensburgillinois.info/.
The history of the educational system established in Warrensburg is in need of research. It is probable
that a high school was established in the late 1800s. Warrensburg High School served the community for abour fifty years
on a solo basis. In the late 1940s the towns of Warrensburg and Latham agreed to pool their educational resources. it was after the 1949-50 school year that the Warrensburg-Latham
School District was established.
The high school for the newly established district was, and remains today, located in Warrensburg.
Ralph Whitsitt provided the following information on Warrensburg High School and the fate
of the original high school building:
"My father graduated from Warrensburg-Latham High School in 1951. This was the first year for the consolidated
schools in Warrensburg and Latham (not 1956). The old Warrensburg H.S. building was used as Warrensburg-Latham High for several years
until a newer facility was built on the other side of Warrensburg in (I'm guessing here...) the late 1950's. The old building
survived until the 1980's when it was finally torn down. I'm not sure what the building was used for (if anything)between
the time the newer high school was built and when it was razed, but the old ag shop building which was next to the old high
school was still standing as of a few years ago and appeared to be used for storage."
Warrensburg High School Quick Facts
Year opened: late
1800s (1877?)
Year closed: 1950
Consolidated to: Warrensburg-Latham
School District
Warrensburg HS team nickname: the "Cardinals"
WHS team colors: Red
& Gold
School Fight Song: unavailable
