The History of Beckemeyer High School
Beckemeyer (population 1,043) is located in southwestern Illinois about 30 miles east of East St. Louis.
The town is situated in the west-central portion of Clinton County. The main roadway to and from Beckemeyer is Old
U.S. Route 50 (also known now as County Road 1300N). Beckemeyer sits about halway between the towns of Carlyle
and Breese. CSX Transportation Railroad travels through the heart of Beckemeyer.
A phenominal website address regarding the history of the town of Beckemeyer can be viewed at http://www.beckemeyeril.gov/Village%20History.htm. Briefly, the town was organized in 1866 along the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad and was first
named Buxton. The town grew because of a coal vein was found near it. The town name was changed to Beckemeyer
and incorporated as a village in 1905. Beckemeyer was the name of one of the town's most influencial families.
Beckmeyer's first school was started in 1905 as well. At some point the school added a high
school curriculum. We know that Beckemeyer High School existed through the 1920s. We believe it was in the 1940s
that Beckemeyer High School was dissolved and the students of Beckemeyer began attending school in nearby Breese.
The fate of the original Beckemeyer High School building is being sought. We do know that Beckemeyer
still hosts an elementary school for grades 2 - 4 as part of the Breese Central School District.
Beckemeyer High School Quick Facts
Year opened:
1905
Year closed:
1940s?
Consolidated to:
Breese Central High School
Beckemeyer HS team nickname: unavailable
Beckemeyer HS team colors: unavailable
School Fight Song: unavailable
