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
Inscription.
The Brick Academy. (Huntsville Academy). 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.
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 of 12th Street and Avenue I, on the left when traveling west on 12th Street. The marker is located on the corner of the prison property. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 815 12th Street, Huntsville TX 77340, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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 205 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on August 25, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
