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History of Northside

Black and white photo of the Northside building
Northside Building in January 1988

Northside High School, originally founded as Fort Smith High School in 1885, has a long and rich history in the Fort Smith community. The school moved into a new building at 23rd and B Street in 1928 to accommodate the growing population of Fort Smith, which had reached 31,400 people. The new building, dedicated in 1929, boasted a 1,060-seat auditorium that hosted performances from famous individuals such as opera singer Helen Olheim and poet Carl Sandburg. Over the years, the school expanded its campus to include an annex in 1956, and by the 1960-1961 school year, it had become the largest high school in Arkansas.

In 1961, Fort Smith High School officially became Northside High School, a name chosen to reflect its geographical location in the city. The 1960s saw several significant changes, including the integration of the school following the closure of Lincoln High School in 1966. Northside continued to grow, with the addition of new facilities such as the Field House in 1964 and the Mayo-Thompson Stadium in 1968, named in honor of two influential coaches. In the late 1980s, the school continued to develop, with new buildings dedicated to fine arts and learning labs, ensuring that Northside remained at the forefront of educational excellence.

Over the years, Northside High School has earned numerous accolades, including being named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 1993. The school continues to serve a diverse student body, with enrollment reflecting a variety of backgrounds. Northside remains committed to providing a well-rounded education through academic, athletic, and extracurricular opportunities, fostering a community of excellence and tradition that has spanned nearly a century.

Northside basketball coach and three players
Northside teacher and students
Northside staff holding School of Excellence flag

Establishment and Early Growth (1928-1955)

  • 1928 – Fort Smith High School opened at its current location on 23rd and B Street
  • 1929 – The first graduation ceremony was held in the new building’s auditorium.
  • 1934 – The school yearbook name changed from Sounder to Bruin.
  • 1937 – The school’s Alma Mater was commissioned and remains in use today.
  • 1956-1957 – A school annex was built, and enrollment grew to 1,738, making it the largest high school in Arkansas.

Becoming Northside High School (1961-1967)

  • 1960-1961 – The Farnsworth Rose Garden was completed on campus. 
  • 1961 – Fort Smith High School was renamed Northside High School. The Class of 1962 was the first to graduate under the new name.
  • 1964 – The Field House opened, and a marquee was installed in front of the school.
  • 1966-1967 – Lincoln High School merged with Northside, integrating the student body and increasing enrollment. Northside also inherited Lincoln’s library collection and welcomed former Lincoln principal Mr. Foster Ware as a guidance counselor.

Expansion and Achievements (1968-2004)

  • 1968 – Grizzly Stadium was renamed Mayo-Thompson Stadium in honor of longtime coaches.
  • 1968-1969 – Northside’s JROTC program was established with 215 cadets.
  • 1980-1981 – Several additions were made, including the Fine Arts Building, a learning lab, and an elevator.
  • 1992-1993 – Northside was selected as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.
  • 2003-2004 – The original gym was renovated with a new floor, film room, and custom oak lockers. The original floor, possibly the only one of its kind, required special efforts to reseal and finish.

Notable Events & Traditions

  • Notable Visitors – Over the years, Northside’s auditorium has hosted distinguished guests, including:
    • Carl Sandburg – Poet, biographer, and entertainer
    • Helen Olheim – Opera singer
    • Shawntel Smith – Miss America 1996
    • Margaret Bourke-White – War correspondent, photographer, and author
    • Nancy Gean – Fashion analyst and FSHS graduate
  • Student Leadership & Activities – Northside’s student body has actively contributed to school traditions, including the donation of the building’s official lettering by the Class of 1962 and the establishment of the Bruin yearbook as a national award-winning publication.
  • Athletic Excellence – Northside has maintained a strong athletic program, with multiple championship-winning teams and a dedicated sports facility.
Northside High School’s history is one of perseverance, growth, and a commitment to excellence. As the school continues to evolve, its legacy remains deeply rooted in the Fort Smith community.

Discover Our History

Explore the rich history of Northside High School. Here, you'll find documents, stories, and resources that highlight key milestones and achievements of our school. Dive into the past to see how Northside High School evolved and has made a lasting impact on the community. Click the links below to learn more.

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