History of the School

Columbia High School has undergone several name changes and a few relocations in the years since it first opened its doors.

It started as the White Salmon High School, and its first graduating class was in Spring of 1912. During the summer of 1924, White Salmon and Pleasant View united to form Columbia Union High School. A new school was built where the White Salmon City Park is now located. The first graduation was May 22, 1925 with 17 students graduating.

In 1928, Bingen High School was consolidated with Columbia Union High School. Later, in 1943, White Salmon, Pleasant View, Husum, Gilmer, Ashland and Bristol were combined to make one school district, White Salmon Valley Schools #405. This was the last year for Columbia Union High School. The first class to be graduated from Columbia High School was in 1944 when White Salmon Valley School District #405 and Underwood #17 combined with the established 405-17 designation that currently identifies the district.

Needing room for expansion Columbia High School moved to its new location at the old rodeo grounds in August of 1970. The Class of 1971, with 67 students, was the first to graduate from the newly constructed facility. The old high school was torn down. All that remains is the gymnasium, which was built in 1938-1939. It is now know as the Park Center and houses the White Salmon District Office with the remainder of the building being used for school activities, community events and public offices.

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Do you have more history, memories, or information about the early days of Columbia High? We invite you to share them using our Guestbook, and we may add them to our history pages.