Central Graded School

National Register Listing

Street Address:

309 Academy St., Union, SC (Union County)

Alternate Name:

Central School

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NRHP Nomination

Record Number:

S10817744018

Description and Narrative:

Built in 1891, Central Graded School is the oldest surviving public school building in Union County. Architecturally, it is a good example of the plain, solidly built, “modern” school building of the late nineteenth century. The influence of the Romanesque Revival style current in the 1890s is evident in the large semi-circular arched openings of the bell tower, the prominence of the tower, the variation in size of windows, substantial brick masonry walls, and an asymmetrical floor plan. The original portion of the building is T-shaped, with the square bell tower in one angle of the “T.” The interior of the older portion, including 12 classrooms of simple and functional design, apparently remains essentially as it was when built. Rear portions of the building, added in 1899, 1904, and ca. 1930, generally match the style and construction of the original portion. The two-story school was built on the site of the Unionville Female Academy. Ownership of the building was transferred in 1976 to the University of South Carolina, Union Regional Campus. Listed in the National Register March 30, 1978.

Period of Significance:

1891

Level of Significance:

Local

Area of Significance:

Education;Architecture

National Register Determination:

listed

Date of Certification:

March 30 1978

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