The History of Noble High School
Noble (population 746) is located in southeastern Illinois about 35 miles southeast of Effingham and 5 miles
east of Olney. Noble sits on U.S. Route 50 and Illinois Route 250 in east-central Richland County. The Baltimore &
Ohio Railroad travels through town. The Hog Run Creek flows through town as does a branch of the Big Muddy Creek.
Noble was incorporated in 1862 (http://www.iltrails.org/richland/townbio's.htm) .
The history of the Noble school system is in need of research. It is probable that Noble had at
least a grade school in place by the late 1860s. It is also probable that a high school was in place by the late 1800s.
Noble High School served only the people of Noble for probably 5 decades. We believe it was in the late 1940s that several
small school districts in western Richland County consolidated with the Noble School District. We are not
certain if any other high school districts were involved. We believe it was either 1948 or 1949 when this took
place. This effort created the Noble West Richland School District making the Noble School District defunct.
The Noble West Richland School District still serves the area today. The fate and history of the Noble
school buildings is being sought.
Noble High School Quick Facts
Year opened:
late 1800s
Year consolidated:
late 1940s?
Consolidated to:
West Richland School District (Noble)
Noble HS team nickname: the "Wildcats"
Noble HS team colors: Black & Gold
School Fight Song:
unavailable
