The History of Granite City South High School
Granite City (population 31,303) is located in the southwestern Illinois in the southwestern portion
of Madison County. The Mississippi River flows about two miles to the west of town. St. Louis is about 6 miles
to the southwest of Granite City. Illinois Routes 3, 203, and 111 will all lead you into town. Interstate Highways
55, 64, 70, 255, and 270 all surround Granite City.
According to a website regarding Granite City
the city was incorporated in 1896. Granite City was established in 1892 by brothers William
and Frederick Niedringhaus, two successful German-born businessmen from St. Louis. The brothers started
an eating untensil factory in St. Louis and had learned of a way of coating the utensils with granite. The area
where Granite City now sits was bought by the brothers for the purpose of establishing a factory and a town based on
this business. Hence the name of Granite City was given to the town.
Granite City has had a long and rich history of providing educational opportunities as well. A
high school was likely established early in the city's history. It was in the early 1970s that a population boom
saw for the need of two high schools. In 1973 it was decided that a second high school would be created. Granite
City High School was renamed Granite City South High School while a new building was constructed on the north side of
town. This school was named Granite City North High School.
Granite City South High School was held in the original Granite City High School building. The two-high school
system in Granite City lasted through the early 1980s. In 1983 it was decided that two high schools were no longer needed.
Granite City North High School was subsequently closed. Granite City South High School simply dropped the
South from its name and reverted to the original name of Granite City High School.
Granite City South High School building continues to serve in its original capacity as Granite City High School.
Granite City South High School Quick Facts
Year opened:
1973
Year closed:
1983
Consolidated to:
Granite City High School
Granite City South team nickname: the "Warriors"
Granite City South team colors: Black & Red
School Fight Song: "Here's
A Song For Dear Old Granite"
Submitted by J'Lynn Snyder
SCHOOL
FIGHT
SONG
Here's
a song for dear
old Granite
Lift
up your voice and
sing: RAH RAH RAH
Here's a cheer for dear old Granite
Shout it! Let the echoes ring: RAH
RAH RAH
Victory's our habit; let's win this
game
But win or lose, we'll keep on fighting just
the same
For school's what you make it
Granite can take it
Fight,
fight, fight
for Granite High.
G-HE! G-HI! G-HO! HO!
HO!
GRANITE WARRIORS, GO,
GO, GO!
