There is no connection with Leon County's current (and distant) Lincoln High School other than name.

Lincoln Academy opened in 1869 during Reconstruction as the first school for African Americans in Leon County, Florida.

Its first location was at Copeland and Lafayette Streets, two blocks south of West Florida Seminary, FSU's predecessor.

It was not rebuilt until 1876, when it reopened in a new building on the west side of Copeland Streets, at Park Avenue, on what is today the FSU campus.

At night, the school offered vocational classes such as tailoring, cosmetology (taught by Ms. Harris), welding, Spanish (Ms. Rainey), and nursing.

After integration, Lincoln High was closed down and Griffin Middle School was given the Tiger mascot.

The main structure that still stands on the grounds is known as the Lincoln Neighborhood Center, and houses various social services.

The original plaque that is engraved in the building remains, inscribed "Lincoln High School Home of the Tigers."

[citation needed] Godby has Lincoln's school colors, but the mascot was changed to the Cougar.