Before 1856, the West Union School District existed in two sections, separated by Market Street. Each section had its own school building. The original structure for the western section, located just south of the Presbyterian Church, was constructed of logs; the windows were cut out of the logs and greased paper was put over the holes. In this school, there were no grades; the teachers taught what was called “common subjects.”

The South Street site, where the former West Union High School, stands was purchased for $150.00, and a new building, consolidating the east and west sections of town, was completed in 1858. This first school was taught under the supervision of T.L. Coryell, who remained as principal for three years. This new school building consisted of 4 rooms. In 1888, the building was replaced by a six-room structure to which two more rooms were added in 1905.

In 1924, the “old” elementary building was constructed as a high school building. The former “old” gym was constructed in 1928.

In 1939, the present South Street high school building was built on the site of the old six-room grade building. In 1950, six rooms were added to that structure, and the grade school (former high school building) was connected to the new high school by a tunnel. In 1961, 13 rooms and a new gymnasium were added. In the 1990’s, the “old” elementary building served as the West Union Junior High.

On August 24, 1997, we dedicate a new 110,000 square foot West Union High School. This 12 million dollar (approximate) facility contains 43 classrooms and a media center many times larger than the former classroom-size “library.” Included in these state-of -the-art classrooms are 3 science labs, 2 computer labs, an industrial technology lab, and a distance learning lab, which makes it possible for West Union to offer its students courses in math and foreign languages that could not otherwise be offered. A T-1 line offers our students worldwide learning from corporations, museums, zoos, and countless other educational facilities around the state, the country, and the world.

This school and its opportunities were made possible by the citizens of Adams County, when, on Tuesday, November 7, 1994, they decided to change Adams County’s approach to education. On that date, the taxpayers in Adams County passed a 5.97 mill bond issue, providing 47 million dollars to construct 4 new high schools, one of which is this West Union High School located on Lloyd Road. This school, as well as the other three high school facilities, is indicative of the new direction our community has chosen for the Adams County/Ohio Valley Schools.