Laredo in Webb County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Raymond and Tirza Martin High School
Funding for the $353,000 school came through a bond election and partnership with the Public Works Administration, a federal agency. The school board named the facility for Raymond Martin, a French immigrant who settled in Laredo in the 1850s and prospered as a landowner, businessman and political leader, and his wife, Tirza (Garcia), member of a prominent local family. The couple had ten children, and at the time of the school's construction, son Albert was mayor of Laredo and son Joe was school board president.
Designed by architects Giesecke and Harris of Austin, with associate architects Trout & Leyendecker of Laredo, the building exhibits classical revival and art deco styling. Architectural features of the massive L-shaped floor plan include local face brick and cast stone trim and details. Interior space provided for classrooms, administrative offices, a cafeteria, a combination 1000-seat maple floor gymnasium and auditorium, and capacity for 1600 students.
Construction began in August 1935, and the school opened in March 1937. This was Laredo's only high school campus until Nixon High opened in 1964. Over the years, graduates of Martin High School have distinguished themselves as scholars, professionals, athletes, artists, civic leaders and valued citizens.
Erected 2007 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17422.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1937.
Location. 27° 31.057′ N, 99° 30.324′ W. Marker is in Laredo, Texas, in Webb County. Marker is at the intersection of San Bernardo Avenue and Park Street, on the right when traveling south on San Bernardo Avenue. The marker is located at the front entrance to the high school. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2002 San Bernardo Avenue, Laredo TX 78040, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. San Bernardo Avenue (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Texas Mexican Railway (approx. 0.6 miles away); Holding Institute (Laredo Seminary) (approx. 0.7 miles away); Webb County Courthouse (approx. 0.7 miles away); Webb County (approx. 0.7 miles away); Laredo Fire Department (approx. 0.8 miles away); United States Post Office and Courthouse (approx. 0.8 miles away); Jarvis Plaza (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Laredo.
Also see . . . Martin, Raymond (1828–1900). Texas State Historical Association (Submitted on July 30, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 30, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 30, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 251 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 30, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.