Galveston in Galveston County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Public Education for Blacks in Galveston
Photographed By Jim Evans, October 11, 2020
1. Public Education for Blacks in Galveston Marker
This marker is on the side, not the front, of the building
Attempts to open public, tax-supported schools in Galveston after the Civil War (1861-65) were delayed by yellow fever and lack of funds, but in 1881 the school board devised a sound system of free public education. This included classes for black children in two rented locations, called the East Broadway Colored School and Barnes Institute. A year later, the system was revised on geographic lines, with an east district and a west district school. In 1885, Central High School for blacks opened in rented quarters at 16th and Avenue L. From 1889 to 1893 it was housed at 15th Street and Avenue N.
Leading architect Nicholas Clayton was then engaged to design a structure for this site. Built especially for Central, it was the pride of the community. In 1905, Central was chosen to house a branch of the Rosenberg Library. The school building was enlarged in 1924. The school itself was relocated in 1954, and phased out by integration in 1968.
Central High School was a cherished institution in the Galveston black community. This third campus of the high school, a site rich in traditions and history, was rejuvenated in 1976 as a cultural center.
Erected 1977 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 7547.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic
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Location. 29° 17.758′ N, 94° 47.729′ W. Marker is in Galveston, Texas, in Galveston County. Marker is at the intersection of 27th Street and Avenue M, on the right when traveling north on 27th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2627 Avenue M, Galveston TX 77550, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Jack Johnson (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Avenue L Missionary Baptist Church (about 500 feet away); Helen E. Ebert (about 700 feet away); Ursuline Convent in the Civil War (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of Ursuline Convent and Academy (approx. 0.2 miles away); James N. Davis House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sweeney-Royston House (approx. ¼ mile away); Olga Samaroff (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Galveston.
Photographed By Jim Evans, October 11, 2020
2. Public Education for Blacks in Galveston
Photographed By Jim Evans, October 11, 2020
3. Public Education for Blacks in Galveston Side of Building
The marker is on this side of the building -- not the front of the building. It's in front of the steps, behind a tree.
Photographed By Jim Evans, October 11, 2020
4. Central High School Main Entrance
Photographed By Jim Evans, December 20, 2020
5. Rosenberg Library Colored Branch
The building was both school and library.
Photographed By Jim Evans, December 20, 2020
6. Public Education for Blacks in Galveston
Credits. This page was last revised on December 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2020, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. This page has been viewed 271 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 11, 2020, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. 5, 6. submitted on December 21, 2020, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
