The History of Argenta High School
Argenta (population 921) is located in east-central Illinois in the northwestern portion of Macon County.
Argenta sits about six miles northeast of Decatur. Illinois Route 48 is the main roadway leading to and from Argenta. Interstate
Highway 72 runs to the southeast of town. The Illinois Central Gulf Railroad runs alongside Route 48 while the Kickapoo
Creek flows around the northside of Argenta.
The history of the town of Argenta and its school system are in need of research;. It is probable
that a school system was in place for Argenta students by the late 1800s. A high school was certainly in place
by the early 1900s. Argenta High School served the town and surrounding rural kids for over six decades. Consolidation
talks arose in the mid-1960s between the school districts of Argenta and the nearby town of Oreana. This effort
led to the creation of the Argenta-Oreana School District in 1966.
The high school for the new district is still located today in Argenta. It was for many years held
in the original Argenta High School building which is pictured above, with a few building additions. Recently the Argenta-Oreana
School District completed a new building for $15 million that will serve the two towns and surrounding area for many years
to come.
Argenta High School Quick Facts
Year opened:
late 1800s / early 1900s
Year consolidated with Oreana: 1966
Consolidated to: Argenta-Oreana
School District
Argenta HS team nickname: the "Hawks" (possibly the
"Bombers")
Argenta HS team colors:
Orange & Blue
School Fight Song:
unavailable
