You probably know that most of the oldest schools in the nation are on the East Coast. It Makes sense since that's where America started, but did you know that there is one Missouri school that is the oldest in the state and was once the school for a few famous people you might have heard of

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Central High School in St. Joesph, Missouri is one of the oldest schools in the Show-Me State. The school opened in 1861 and remains open to this day. It only closed once due to the Civil War, but reopened when it was over. It was made into a hospital during that time to help wounded sliders.

The school was moved and expanded in the late 1800s, and in 1915 the first class of the junior college was formed. The addition of more spaces increased as the demand for enrollment increased. In 1968, some 25 classrooms were added to the campus. Since then, a library, and other multi-use spaces have been added to fill the needs of some 1,600 enrolled students.

It was also the school where Bob Barker got his early elementary education. The former Price is Right game host attended the school in his youth along with Jack Israel who got drafted by the New York Knick.

SEE ALSO: One of the Oldest High Schools in America is Located in Missouri

The school remains open and is a massive school district. I remember passing this a few times when I lived in Maryville, Missouri (you have to drive through St. Joe to get to Maryveille) and thinking this was a massive school. I can't image what it looks like today almost 20 years later.