History of Lemira Elementary   

Located in Sumter, South Carolina, Lemira began in 1888 as a one room schoolhouse with one teacher. The enrollment was 25 students. The building was a gift of Lemuel Ira Reames, its founder, a Civil War veteran with a fine record in the Confederate Army. The cabin structure was erected and named for its donor.

Lemira was first located on Brewington Road, about four and one-half miles from downtown Sumter. Many of the attending children walked almost all of that distance to attend the school.

Today the population of Lemira is over 600 students. The 1998 renovations will include a new pre-school, kindergarten, and first grade wing in addition to an art room, music room, physical education room and a science lab. The former first grade pod building will be the renovated media / technology center. The office will occupy the former library area.

The Lemira community is proud of the changes in its school.