The History of Ransom High School
Ransom (population 409) is located in the north-central portion of Illinois about 10 miles northeast of
Streator. The town is platted in the southeast portion of LaSalle County. Illinois Route 170 is the main roadway
to and from town. The At & St Railroad runs through town while an Industrial Railroad runs to the north of town.
The history of Ransom and its former high school are in need of research. At this point we are merely
guessing as to the history of the school. A high school was likely established in Ransom by the late 1800s. It
served the community for many years and was the pride and joy of its residents. We believe that Ransom High School closed
in the late 1940s, though it is possible the school existed well into the 1950s. This information is needed. We do know
that upon closure the high school-aged kids of Ransom began attending the Streator High School District.
Ransom High School was located on Illinois Route 170 in Ransom. The school building was utilized as a grade
school for some time after the high school closed. A new grade school building was erected on the south side of town in the
early 1960s. The grade school is still going strong and continues to serve grades K - 8.
Ransom High School Quick Facts
Year opened:
late 1800s
Year closed: unavailable
(late 1940s?)
Consolidated to: Streator
School District
Ransom HS team nickname: "Pirates"
(?)
RHS team colors: Blue
& White (?)
School Fight Song: unavailable
)