FLAGSHIP

‍ ‍A Flagshipis the lead ship in a fleet of vessels, typically the first, largest, fastest, most heavily armed, and best known—also, the best thing owned or produced by a particular organization.

‍ ‍Over the years, that term has often been used in reference to Newnan High School. Opened as grades 1-10 in 1888 on Temple Avenue and an independent high school since 1917, the school has met every academic, extracurricular, athletic, and safety challenge it has faced during its more than 137-year history. Its connection to the community goes back to its founding. Today, newly rebuilt after the devastating 2021 tornado, the school covers an entire city block at 190 Lagrange Street. Today, many people who live in Newnan are proud graduates of the school.

I have spent the past four years digging in old boxes, burrowing into basements, trying to read 19th-century calligraphy, talking to people all over Coweta County, and generally attempting to track down the story of a school. Many of the stories and photographs I uncovered have rarely seen the light of day. If you are interested in the history of Newnan High School, I don’t think you will be disappointed. I hate that I can’t make it cheaper, but a book this size and with the number of photographs that it contains is very expensive to produce.

I hope that you enjoy, but more importantly, I hope that you come to appreciate the connection that the school has with the local community even more!