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

Site of Polytechnic Institute

Photographed by James Hulse, March 30, 2022

1. Site of Polytechnic Institute Marker

Inscription. Founded in 1883 by W.W. Works (1856-1895), Polytechnic Institute was a private, coeducational school. A respected educator and native of this area, Works left here in 1888 to attend the University of Texas. When he returned in 1892, local stockholders erected a two-story school building at this site. After Works died, the facility became Whitten Institute, with the Rev. Thomas G. Whitten as president. It was also operated as Midlothian College. In 1907-08, the building was dismantled, and the property was acquired by former stockholder J.C. Kimmel. In 1915, his widow gave it to the city for use as a park.

Erected 1976 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 7139.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.

Location. 32° 29.008′ N, 97° 0.07′ W. Marker is in Midlothian, Texas, in Ellis County. It is at the intersection of West Avenue F and North 2nd Street on West Avenue F. The marker is located at the entrance to Kimmel Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Midlothian TX 76065, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region

and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area.

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,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: William L. and Emma Hawkins House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Midlothian Public Schools (approx. 0.2 miles away); Midlothian Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.2 miles away);

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The Newton Cabin (approx. 0.4 miles away); Midlothian Cemetery (approx. half a mile away); C.W. Mertz House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Trotter House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Mulkey-Loggins House (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Midlothian.

Also see . . . Midlothian College.

Midlothian College, in Midlothian, began operation in 1884. William Wesley Works, principal of the Midlothian schools, was the founder. After a controversy with the school patrons, Works founded a private school in 1892, known as the Polytechnic Institute. Source: The Handbook of Texas

(Submitted on April 5, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The Site of Polytechnic Institute Marker in the Kimmel Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 30, 2022

2. The Site of Polytechnic Institute Marker in the Kimmel Park

The Site of Polytechnic Institute Marker at the entrance to the park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 30, 2022

3. The Site of Polytechnic Institute Marker at the entrance to the park

The view of the Site of Polytechnic Institute Marker from across the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 30, 2022

4. The view of the Site of Polytechnic Institute Marker from across the street

Credits. This page was last revised on April 5, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 5, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,724 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 5, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.