Victoria in Victoria County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Mitchell School

Photographed By James Hulse, February 21, 2022

1. Mitchell School Marker

Inscription. The citizens of Victoria voted to establish an independent school district in an 1898 election. Immediate plans called for the building of eight schools: four for Anglos and four for African Americans. In 1901 school trustees hired prominent local architect Jules Leffland to design two buildings, and this site was acquired for the first Anglo high school. Named Central High School, it was completed in 1902.

After secondary school students were reassigned to the new Patti Welder High School in 1918, the school at this site was renamed Third Ward School and served elementary grades. The name was changed again in 1922 to honor J.D Mitchell (1848-1922), one of the school districi's first trustees and a former city council member and state legislator.

Leffland's imposing 3-story school building suffered major damage due to fires in 1935 and 1943, resulting in the removal of the third floor. Additional alterations occured over the years to meet the changing needs of the facility. Although no longer in use as an elementary school, Mitchell School continues to serve as an educational center, housing classes of the Mitchell Guidance Center.

Erected 1995 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3424.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans

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• Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1898.

Location. 28° 48.061′ N, 97° 0.15′ W. Marker is in Victoria, Texas, in Victoria County. Marker is at the intersection of East Commercial Street and North De Leon Street, on the right when traveling west on East Commercial Street. The marker is located in front of the school building by the street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 306 East Commercial Street, Victoria TX 77901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Mitchell School (within shouting distance of this marker); Peter Underhay Pridham (within shouting distance of this marker); Memorial Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Texas Soldiers and Pioneer Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Victoria County (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Memorial Square (about 500 feet away); McNamara House (about 600 feet away); Viola Case (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Victoria.

Also see . . .
1. Education in Texas. (Submitted on February 28, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
2. Mitchell, Joseph Daniel (1848–1922).

He was one of the founders of the Victoria Independent School District, served as
Photographed By James Hulse, February 21, 2022

2. Mitchell School Marker
a trustee of the district for many years, and donated 500 slides of animal life to the Victoria schools. Mitchell School, named in honor of the naturalist, was built in 1901, the first school in the new district. Source: The Handbook of Texas

(Submitted on February 28, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The Mitchell School Marker in front of the Mitchell School image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, February 21, 2022

3. The Mitchell School Marker in front of the Mitchell School

Credits. This page was last revised on February 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 28, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 405 times since then and 98 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 28, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.