The History of Blairsville High School
Blairsville (population approximately 100) is located in southwestern Illinois in
the east-central portion of Williamson County. According to Mapquest, Blairsville is about 7 blocks from north to south and
4 blocks from east to west. Illinois Route 184 is the main roadway to and from Blairsville. It intersects with County Highway
11 on the south side of town. Blairsviolle is located about 10 miles due northeast of Carbondale. The Big Muddy River
flows by the north side of town.
The history of the town of Blairsville has been difficult to research via the internet. We do
know that the town was named after Stephen Blair who built a Mill on the Big Muddy River in 1832. Blairsville
had its own post office and a population of 37 in 1895. Coal mining brought a larger popuilation to Blairsville in the
early 1900s. When the mine closed however, the population dwindled to the current state of approximately 100 residents.
We know that Blairsville once supported its own high school. It was likely a two or three-year
high school. It is probable that Blairsville High School was in existence from the early 1920s through the late
1940s. This information is in need of research and verification. We do know that the kids of Blairsville today attend
school in nearby Herrin.
Blairsville High School Quick Facts
Year opened: 1920s(?)
Year Closed:
late 1940s(?)
Consolidated to: Herrin High
School
Blairsville HS nickname: ??
Blairsville HS colors: ??
Blairsville HS fight song: ??
