“Augusta, Georgia. Oldest existing high school in America. Established 1783.”
The Academy of Richmond County was founded on July 31, 1783. During its long history it has witnessed many historic events, including a visit by President George Washington on May 19, 1791; being used as a military hospital for the Confederate wounded from 1863-1865; and housing the headquarters of the Union troops occupying Augusta from 1865-1867. The Academy reopened in 1868.