Hempstead in Waller County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Hempstead High School
When the town of Hempstead was founded in 1856, a centrally located school site was platted, however, no school building was erected until after the Civil War (1861-65) and ensuing era of economic stress. There were several private schools conducted, and early public school sessions were held in rented quarters, the old Waller County Jail being used at $250 a year rental from 1881 to 1887. In 1885 the town passed a bond issue for a school building to be erected here.
To the cheers of townsmen lining the streets, the Principal, his faculty, and the students paraded in 1887 from the jail to the new school building, which had cost $10,000 and was fenced to keep out stock allowed to run at large in the town. The Hempstead "Graded" school became "Hempstead High School" that year. First graduation exercises (for six students) were held in 1888. Accreditation has been maintained since affiliation with the University of Texas in 1893. Except for a 1907 - 14 lapse. From ten grades in 1887 - 88, the course of study increased to eleven in 1913 - 14, and twelve in 1941 - 42. The school plant was enlarged in 1914, 1923, 1936, 1955, and 1963. Original 11. 5 - square - mile district has expanded through consolidations to about 200 square miles.
Erected 1972 by State Historical Survey Committee . (Marker Number 9389.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1856.
Location. 30° 5.49′ N, 96° 4.928′ W. Marker is in Hempstead, Texas, in Waller County. Marker is at the intersection of 13th Street (State Highway 159) and Kosse Street, on the left when traveling south on 13th Street. The marker is located in front of the Hempstead Independent School District Central Administration building. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hempstead TX 77445, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ahrenbeck-Urban Home (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Old Courthouse Clock and Bell (approx. half a mile away); First United Methodist Church of Hempstead (approx. half a mile away); Former Waller County Post Offices (approx. half a mile away); Hempstead, C.S.A. (approx. half a mile away); Waller County (approx. half a mile away); The Camp Site of the Texas Army (approx. 0.7 miles away); Captain Alfred H. Wyly (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hempstead.
Also see . . . Hempstead Texas. TexasEscapes.com (Submitted on November 5, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 5, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 226 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 5, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.