Abilene in Taylor County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Abilene State School

Photographed By Duane Hall, July 24, 2015

1. Abilene State School Marker

Inscription. The Texas legislature provided for the establishment of this institution in 1899 as a center for the treatment of epilepsy. Opened in 1904 under the direction of Dr. John Preston, it was largely self-sufficient, with surrounding land used for raising crops and livestock. Significant research on epilepsy was conducted here by Dr. T.B. Bass, superintendent from 1909 to 1943. A residential facility since 1957, the Abilene State School has developed a leading program of quality care for the mentally retarded based on innovative ideas and widespread community support.

Erected 1981 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 73.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1899.

Location. 32° 25.12′ N, 99° 43.48′ W. Marker is in Abilene, Texas, in Taylor County. Marker can be reached from Maple Street south of S. 25th Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is at the west end of the grounds of the Abilene State Supported Living Center. Marker may be reached by entering the Living Center at the 3rd Street entrance and turning right at the first street; marker is next to the Center’s ground-mounted sign. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2501 Maple St, Abilene TX 79602, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least

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8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Parramore Post #57, American Legion (approx. 1.3 miles away); McMurry College (approx. 1.6 miles away); Judge Walter R. Ely (approx. 1.7 miles away); Sacred Heart Catholic Church (approx. 1.9 miles away); Site of Thornton’s Store (approx. 1.9 miles away); 45th Infantry Division at Camp Barkeley (approx. 1.9 miles away); "I Shall Never Surrender or Retreat" (approx. 1.9 miles away); Honoring E Battery Lost Battalion WWII (approx. 1.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Abilene.

More about this marker. Etched on the bottom border of the marker is “Sponsored by Texas Public Employees’ Association, Chapter #39”.

Also see . . .
1. Abilene State School. From the Texas State Historical Association's "Handbook of Texas Online". (Submitted on July 27, 2015.)

2. Abilene State School. From the Asylum Projects website. Includes a history, historical photographs, and historical maps of the school. (Submitted on July 27, 2015.)

Photographed By Duane Hall, July 24, 2015

2. Abilene State School Marker

Marker is on left side of the sign

Photographed By Duane Hall, July 24, 2015

3. Abilene State School Marker

View to the north

Abilene State Epileptic Colony Historic District Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, July 24, 2015

4. Abilene State Epileptic Colony Historic District Marker

The site has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1991

Abilene State Supported Living Center Adminstration Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, July 24, 2015

5. Abilene State Supported Living Center Adminstration Building

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 639 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 27, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.