The History of Ashkum-Clifton High School
Ashkum (population 724) is located in upper-eastern Illinois about 17 miles southwest of Kankakee. This places
Ashkum in the northwestern portion of Iroquois County. Interstate Highway 57 runs by the west side of town. Illinois
Route 116 leads you from Ashkum to the west while U.S. Route 45 comes into Ashkum from the north and travels through
to the south. The Illinois Central Gulf Railroad also runs through Ashkum and a branch of the Prairie Creek flows through
the south end of town.
Clifton (population 1,317) is located in upper-eastern Illinois about 15 miles south-southeast of Kankakee.
This places Clifton in the northwestern portion of Iroquois County. Interstate Highway 57 passes by the eastern edge
of town and has exit ramps taking you to Clifton. The town is actually located on County Roads named Main Street and 2950.
The Illinois Central Gulf Railroad travels through town. A branch of the Prairie Creek flows through the east side of
town.
Both towns supported their own school districts and have individual pages on this site. During the
late 1930s the two school districts entertained consolidation talks. The effort became a reality in 1940 with the
creation of the Ashkum-Clifton School District. The A-C School District served both communities for 10 years.
In 1949 further consolidation talks arose involving nearby Chebanse. This effort led to the creation of the Central
School District in 1950, ending the run of the Ashkum-Clifton School District.
The Central High School was located in Clifton. A new school complex has been built on the east
side of Clifton. The location and fate of the original Ashkum-Clifton School District is being sought.
Ashkum-Clifton High School Quick Facts
Year opened:
1940
Year closed: 1950
Consolidated to:
Central School District (Clifton)
Ashkum-Clifton HS team nickname: the "Broncos"
Ashkum-Clifton HS team colors: Royal
Blue & Gold
School Fight Song:
unavailable
