Jan. 30, 1875: George P. Butler, Richmond Academy educator, father of junior college, is born

JAN. 30, 1875

George P. Butler, considered the father of the Junior College of Augusta and one of Richmond County’s early educational leaders, was born this day.

He graduated from the Academy of Richmond County, then the University of Georgia. As a young man he took on leadership roles at Athens High School and the University of North Carolina before eventually returning to his hometown as commandant at Richmond Academy. He later became principal and in 1926 was named president of the new junior college.

Butler continued to pursue educational studies at University of California and the University of North Carolina. Although not living in Augusta, he was elected to the Richmond Academy Board of Trustees in 1930 and served until his death in 1933.

Three decades later, Richmond County named its new George P. Butler High School in his honor.