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SIOUX CITY, IOWA DEDICATED TO THE PRESERVATION AND RESTORATION OF THE CASTLE ON THE HILL CASTLE ON THE HILL IS LISTED ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES |
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The Castle on the Hill Association exists to preserve the history and physical uniqueness of this building, to utilize that history and uniqueness in the promotion and unification of our community to interpret history and culture in this region, and, by extension, the world. |
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A History of The Castle on the Hill In 1892 construction began on a large Norman-style building in Sioux City, Iowa. It was bounded on the north and south by 12th and 13th streets, on the east and west by Jackson and Nebraska streets, covering one full city block. On May 23, 1893, dedication ceremonies were held, naming the structure "Sioux City High School." Because of its similarity to a fortress of old, it soon became known as "The Castle on the Hill." The building was erected during an era when many structures, especially those financed through public funds, reflected the community's desire for a "status symbol." The quality of construction materials and workmanship was of top quality. The multi-turreted school is constructed of brownish-pink Lake Superior sandstone, also referred to as Sioux Falls granite. The specifications stated the edifice was to be three stories high, plus basement; 160 feet long from east to west, and 100 feet wide from north to south. The tip of the flagpole on the tower was to be 125 feet above the ground. Cost of the original building was $104,640. Classes began on April 10, 1893, with the first full academic year begun the following September. Nine teachers taught the enrollment of 250 students. The 1894 graduation was the first one held in the new building. By 1912, enrollment had grown to 965. An addition to the north end of the school was proposed at a cost of $225,000. The issue of the day was whether or not to follow the Norman architecture of the original building and to build with matching stone or more economical red brick. The new wing was constructed following the existing design of the school. However, the stone was so pink and clean, it had to be "smoked" to conform to the rest of the building, by then streaked with smoke and grit. In 1924 East High School was built and in order to differentiate between the two, "Sioux City High School's" name was changed to "Sioux City Central High." At this time, Central was completely remodeled and the fourth floor was extended over the original building; the hip roofs were removed and replaced with flat roofs. An Era Comes to a Close A $16.5 million bond issue was passed for the three new high schools and in June 1972, Central's last graduating class marched through the doors for the last time. From 1892 until this date more than 40,000 young men and women passed through the hallways of the Castle on the Hill. Today the Castle on the Hill stands a monument to the people who dreamed and sacrificed for a building that would stand for all ages. COHA Group Brings New Life to Castle on the Hill The Castle on the Hill Association, a not for profit organization, was formed to find a new use of the building by restoring and renovating it. COHA purchased the Castle from the Sioux City Community School District for $1.00 July 1st, 1976. It was subsequently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Although no longer in use as a school, The Castle is far from vacant. Several of its rooms have been adopted for use by Siouxland organizations and are rented for this purpose. Our latest addition is the Sioux City Indian Center with offices and educational facilities for use by the Indian community our area. The "Dungeon" gymnasium has been renamed "Julie Goodson Hall." Julie was a charter member along with Lois Little, both who served on the board for several years. The "Hall" has received a complete face-lift entailing totally repainting the ceiling, walls, new energy efficient Windows, and new basketball facilities. The Hall is available for rental. We are making it available as a multipurpose facility able to handle athletic uses, banquets, dances, meetings, etc. During the past few months we have had breakfasts and French toast as fundraisers. COHA's ongoing fundraiser, the Castle Gift Shop, has recently been remodeled. With the assistance of two Sioux City businesses, who furnished materials and labor to date and make it truly a gift shop that will rival those found at the malls and shopping centers around Siouxland. It is open for sales and visitors on weekends and is staffed with volunteers. You may also call 712-258-0626 for an appointment during the week. New items on display include a Central afghan, printed in maroon ink on a white background, sweatshirts in green and blue with a Central logo. Contact The II-VII CornerPlease contact us via e-mail at: The II-VII Corner: CastleWeb
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