The History of Ludlow High School
Ludlow (population 324) is located in east-central Illinois in the north-central portion of Champaign County.
The town is located about 18 miles northeast of the city of Champaign. U.S. Route 45 is the main roadway to and from
Ludlow while Interstate Highway 57 passes by the west side of town. The Illinois Central Railroad passes through Ludlow.
The Upper Salt Fork Creek flows by the south side of town.
"Mr. James D. Ludlow was born in the year 1822, near Cincinnati, Ohio, and came to Illinois in 1853
as the agent of Michael L. Sullivant, for whom he purchased most of the great farm on the southwest corner of the county,
known as " Broadlands." He also acted as agent in the purchase at the Danville land office of most of the tract of forty thousand
acres in Ford and Livingston counties, which formed Mr. Sullivant's famous farm. After making this settlement in Harwood township,
Mr. Ludlow began making improvements, and wisely set out a number of varieties of fruit and forest trees, which give the grounds
adjoining his residence a beautiful appearance and demonstrate what can be done in the way of furnishing shade and shelter
to these open prairies. The town and township of Ludlow were so named in his honor."
The history of the former Ludlow High School is in need of research. We do know that Ludlow residents
began a school system for their children by the mid-1800s, We also know that the commitment to the students of Ludlow
continues today with the town's residents continuing to support a grade school for students in grades K - 8.
We can only surmise at this point that Ludlow supported a high school at some point in the early 1900s.
It was likely that the school served the community through the late 1940s. The high school eventually consolidated
or was annexed into the Rantoul Township High School District just five miles to the south.
Ludlow High School Quick Facts
Year opened:
early 1900s?
Year closed;
late 1940s?
Consolidated to: Rantoul
Township High School
Ludlow HS team nickname: unavailable
Ludlow HS team colors: unavailable
School Fight Song:
unavailable
