Quincy High School was first established in September of 1864 in the old Unitarian Church building at Sixth and Jersey streets, in what was then known as the Center School building. In 1866, the High School was transferred to the Jackson School building at 8th and Vine (now College) Street. From there it was transferred to the top floor of the Franklin School on 5th Street between York and Kentucky, where it remained until plans were made for a dedicated high school.