Van Alstyne in Grayson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Site of Campus of Old Columbia College

Photographed by Gary Estep, December 22, 2025

1. Site of Campus of Old Columbia College Marker

Inscription. In 1889 an association composed of merchants and landowners from the Van Alstyne area saw the need for quality education and established Columbia College. The school served all grades through college level, emphasizing vocational training as well as the arts and sciences. The institution was housed in a three-story frame structure on this four-acre fenced site. There were 40 students in the first class and the enrollment increased to 578 by the 1893-1894 school year. Students from a large section of North Texas studied at this coeducational facility.

Howell Lake Piner (1858-1935) served from 1890-1895 as the school's first president. He was born in Kentucky, reared in Honey Grove, Texas, and received his education at Vanderbilt University. After selling his interest in Grayson College, Whitewright, Texas, Piner came to Columbia and skillfully directed the development of the institution.

As the area grew, Van Alstyne residents recognized the need for a community high school. Colombia College became part of the Van Alstyne Public School System in 1906. The college building continued to serve the schools until 1915 when it was destroyed by fire.

Erected 1979 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 7353.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic

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list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.

Location. 33° 25.509′ N, 96° 34.813′ W. Marker is in Van Alstyne, Texas, in Grayson County. It is at the intersection of WA Denton Drive and College Avenue, on the left when traveling north on WA Denton Drive. The marker is located in front of the school building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 588 WA Denton Drive, Van Alstyne TX 75495, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Boy Scout Troop 1 (Troop 44) (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mantua Masonic Lodge No. 209. A.F. & A.M. (approx. ¼ mile away); Howe Lodge No. 430, A.F.& A.M. (approx. ¼ mile away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); Van Alstyne (approx. 0.3 miles away); First Christian Church of Van Alstyne (approx. 0.4 miles away); Interurban Rail (approx. 0.4 miles away); First United Methodist Church of Van Alstyne (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Van Alstyne.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 29, 2022

2. Site of Campus of Old Columbia College Marker

The Site of Campus of Old Columbia College Marker in front of the building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 29, 2022

3. The Site of Campus of Old Columbia College Marker in front of the building

The view of the Site of Campus of Old Columbia College Marker from across the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 29, 2022

4. The view of the Site of Campus of Old Columbia College Marker from across the street

(the marker is on the side walk in front of the building)

Credits. This page was last revised on December 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 1, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,052 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 23, 2025, by Gary Estep of Anna, Texas. 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 1, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.