A school was established in Ruston, Louisiana, in 1885 to provide Negro citizens an education and was chartered in 1891. In 1892, the Ruston Normal Colored High School started. After the school was destroyed by fire, it was rebuilt in the Washington Heights community in 1924-1925 and renamed Washington High School. During its reorganization, Lincoln High School became its permanent name. In 1970, Lincoln High School was desegregated by decree.