Huntsville in Walker County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Brick Academy
(Huntsville Academy)
Photographed By James Hulse, August 21, 2021
1. The Brick Academy Marker
When the town of Huntsville was scarcely settled, citizens donated funds for the purpose of establishing a school for their children. The trustees of the proposed school obtained from Huntsville founder Pleasant Gray and his wife, Hannah, a 5-acre tract fronting on Twelfth Street and Avenue G for the sum of one cent on July 1, 1843. A substantial brick building was erected. Resulting in the name Brick Academy. It was first a male school, but later became a female academy with Miss Melinda Rankin, a well-known author and missionary, as principal. The First Baptist Church met at this location intermittently while a permanent church structure was being erected. The academy building and property were later enclosed by the north exterior wall of the Texas State Penitentiary.Erected by Sam Houston Bicentennial Birthday Celebration.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical date for this entry is July 1, 1843.
Location. 30° 43.374′ N, 95° 32.841′ W. Marker is in Huntsville, Texas, in Walker County. Marker is at the intersection
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Huntsville "Walls" Unit (a few steps from this marker); State Penitentiary C.S.A. (within shouting distance of this marker); The First Baptist Church (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historic Church Bell (about 600 feet away); Forrest Lodge No. 19, A.F. & A.M. (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Meeting Site of Huntsville's Masonic Lodge (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sam Houston Whittling Site (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of Pleasant Gray's Trading Post (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Huntsville.
Photographed By James Hulse, August 21, 2021
2. The Brick Academy Marker
Photographed By James Hulse, August 21, 2021
3. The view of the Brick Academy Marker from the street
Credits. This page was last revised on August 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 25, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 148 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 25, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
