Port Arthur College
John W. Gates founded Port Arthur College in 1909 as a nonprofit, non-sectarian, vocational school focusing on stenography, accounting and communications. Gates, one of the founders of the Texas Company (Texaco), envisioned a school to complement local industries. Gates proposed building a school and hospital as memorials to his mother, and asked that the city donate the required property. The city council used public park land between Procter street and Lakeshore drive for the college. Gates appointed the original trustees, including George M. Craig as first president. The college opened for classes on October 4, 1909. Gates believed the Spanish department would be especially attractive, with the opening of the Panama Canal and increased trade with Central America raising demand for bilingual secretaries and clerks.
In December 1910, the board conveyed the college to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the name was changed to Port Arthur Collegiate Institute. In succeeding years, academic, music and science classes were added to the curriculum. In 1919, the M.E. Church returned management to the board of trustees. By 1923, the college was a fully accredited commercial school. Communications courses that began with wireless telegraphy expanded to radio broadcasting and later a television station. During
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Marker is property of the State of Texas
Erected 2008 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 14688.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Industry & Commerce • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is October 4, 1909.
Location. 29° 52.738′ N, 93° 55.622′ W. Marker is in Port Arthur, Texas, in Jefferson County. It is on Procter Street south of Stillwell Boulevard, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1500 Procter Street, Port Arthur TX 77640, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Texas’ Golden Triangle. It is also in the American South, on the Gulf Coast, and in the Piney Woods. 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 Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Gates Memorial Library (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Gates Memorial Library (a few steps from this marker); Ruby Ruth Fuller Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Port Arthur College Radio Tower
More about this marker. Located in front of the Gates Library Building.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 23, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 413 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 31, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. 2. submitted on January 23, 2024, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas.
