Livingston in Polk County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Education in Livingston
In 1888, the Livingston Free School Corporation built a frame schoolhouse on Jackson Avenue, dedicated as Livingston Graded School. Trustees added ninth and tenth grades in 1906 under principal J.F. Stevens, creating Livingston High School. Classes were on the second floor, and the first graduating class in 1908 had three students. That summer, the schools offered an institute for African American teachers; the first African American school was on West Street.
A 1910 bond issue paid for a two-story brick building on Jackson Avenue designed by the noted architectural firm of C.H. Page & Son of Austin. The district divided the previous schoolhouse into a new African American school and a residence. Trustees added an eleventh grade to Livingston High School in 1913, allowing graduates to meet college entrance requirements.
In the 1930s, the district built Dunbar High School for African Americans and a new Livingston High School for Anglo students. This campus later expanded with a football field, auditorium and an additional classroom building. Trustees added a twelfth grade in 1941. A Freedom of Choice program began the integration process in 1965, and three years later all students attended classes together. The high school moved to new facilities in 1977. In 2006, the centennial year for Livingston High, the graduating class had nearly 300 students.
Erected 2007 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 13904.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.
Location. 30° 42.64′ N, 94° 56.442′ W. Marker is in Livingston, Texas, in Polk County. Marker is on West Church Street (U.S. 190) east of North Willis Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Livingston TX 77351, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Locomotive No. 5 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Chief John Blount (approx. 0.2 miles away); Early Indian Trails (approx. 0.2 miles away); Trinity Lodge No. 14, A.F. & A.M. (approx. ¼ mile away); First National Bank (approx. 0.3 miles away); Livingston (approx. 0.4 miles away); 1905 Courthouse Annex (approx. 0.4 miles away); First State Bank of Livingston (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Livingston.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 12, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2022, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. This page has been viewed 88 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 12, 2022, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas.