Colton High School opened in 1895. It is one of the oldest high schools in the Inland Empire. In this daily feature, we celebrate Colton High’s rich history.

The first principal in Colton (Union) High School history was Wilberforce F. Bliss (1858-1921), also known as W.F. Bliss. He served as principal from 1895-1898. When CHS was founded in 1895, Bliss was also the principal of Lincoln Grammar School. He left the principalship in 1987 to do graduate work at Berkeley, earning his Bachelor of Letters degree in 1898. Through the first decade of the 20th century, he continued his education, eventually becoming dean and vice-president of San Diego State Teacher’s College.