Near Crosbyton in Crosby County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Site of Leatherwood School

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, June 7, 2017

1. Site of Leatherwood School Marker

Inscription. This area of Crosby County was settled in 1898 by the family and relatives of M. G. Leatherwood. As other families began to arrive, the need for a nearby school became apparent. As a result, the Leatherwood Common School District was created in 1912.

The first classes, held in the spring of 1913 in a one-room schoolhouse on land donated by M. G. Leatherwood, were taught by Ellsworth Ham. The location of the school was changed twice before it was moved to this site at the eastern edge of the county.

At the height of its growth, Leatherwood School employed three teachers who taught 36 students in a three-room schoolhouse. In 1935 the Zumalt School District consolidated with Leatherwood, but by 1945 only elementary students were being taught here. The final classes at Leatherwood were held in 1949, when the area was made part of the Crosbyton School District.

Leatherwood was typical of many early Texas rural schools in that its longevity was influenced by the migration from farms to the city. Although rural schools were closed as farm populations decreased and improved roads and transportation made the cities more accessible,

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their histories play an important part in the heritage of public education in Texas.

Erected 1983 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4822.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1898.

Location. 33° 41.032′ N, 101° 3.797′ W. Marker is near Crosbyton, Texas, in Crosby County. It is at the intersection of U.S. 82 and Farm to Market Road 836, on the right when traveling west on U.S. 82. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Crosbyton TX 79322, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Texas’ South Plains.

It is also on the American Great Plains

and specifically on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Comanchería,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Pansy Baptist Church

Site of Leatherwood School Marker <i>on the left</i> image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, June 7, 2017

2. Site of Leatherwood School Marker on the left

Pansy Baptist Church Marker is on the right.

(here, next to this marker); Marshall Clinton Formby, Jr. (approx. 3.1 miles away); a different marker also named Marshall Clinton Formby, Jr. (approx. 3.7 miles away); Silver Falls Pavilion (approx. 5.6 miles away); Old Dewey Lake (approx. 6.6 miles away); Two-Buckle Ranch Headquarters (approx. 6.6 miles away); Texas Ranger Campsite (approx. 6.6 miles away); Main Supply Camp on Historic Mackenzie Trail (approx. 6.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Crosbyton.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, June 7, 2017

3. Site of Leatherwood School Marker

View west on highway US-82.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 27, 2017. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2017, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,658 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 27, 2017, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona.