The second Mercer School, constructed in 1888, was on the site of where the last Charleston High building was built.

This was the first building constructed for the purpose of housing Charleston High School, on Quarrier Street, in 1904.

However, it also became over-crowded during the late 1930s, so Stonewall Jackson High School was built in 1940 to accommodate the students on the west side of Charleston.

As baby boom years continued, the need arose for another high school.

In 1965, George Washington High School was built to accommodate the students in South Hills and Loudendale.

The last city-wide graduating class, before Stonewall Jackson High opened to ease crowding, erected the memorial.

During Charleston High's time, the school participated in the Gazette-Mail Kanawha County Majorette and Band Festival (then known as the Daily Mail).