Historical Marker Dedicated

A marker recognizing the history of R. E. Lee Institute was dedicated Thursday evening on the grounds of the former school.

Historical Society Vice President Gary Self introduced the speakers, Thomaston Mayor Hays Arnold, County Commission Chairman Maurice Raines and society secretary Sue Grubb to the group of approximately 40 that included several former teachers.

The marker states the following:

                                    R.E. Lee Institute
                                    1875 – 1992
“Proud To Be From R. E. Lee”

Education in Upson County grew from small private schools in 1824 to a public school that was charted R. E. Lee Institute in 1882. Graduates distinguished themselves by becoming doctors, lawyers, Senators, State Representatives, athletes, famous soldiers and one an Assistant Attorney General of the United States. There were literary figures, who claimed national fame, and a few were presented at the White House; some on national news, in the motion picture business and others became authors of several books.

Football reigned as king of sports winning one state championship, two state runners-up and 12 regional championships. Baseball produced two national league players while basketball provided the school with the Jaycee Invitational and one state championship. Lee’s ROTC rifle team won eighteen state and eleven national championships. After integration in 1970 and consolidation in 1973, Lee closed it’s doors in 1992. Three of the nine buildings became the Thomaston-Upson Government Complex in 1998. The remaining buildings are currently serving in community capacities.

Upson Historical Society

For a slideshow of more pictures, click HERE.