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

Site of First Free Public School

Photographed By James Hulse, September 3, 2023

1. Site of First Free Public School Marker

Inscription. In 1885 a two-story frame structure was built on this site and served as the first free public school in Jacksonville. It was destroyed by a tornado in 1890. A three-story brick building was erected here in 1910-12. Known as East Side School, it served elementary and secondary students at different times until 1939. After decades of use for school purposes, the hillside stood bare until 1940. In that year a sports stadium, known as the Tomato Bowl, was begun by the Federal Works Progress Administration and the Jacksonville Independent School District.

Erected 1988 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 6643.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.

Location. 31° 57.934′ N, 95° 16.09′ W. Marker is in Jacksonville, Texas, in Cherokee County. Marker is at the intersection of Austin Street and East Commerce Street, on the right when traveling north on Austin Street. The marker is located at the west entrance to the football stadium. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 Austin Street, Jacksonville TX 75766, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Jacksonville Independent School District (a few steps from this marker); John Wesley Love Home (approx. ¼ mile away); In Memory of All Cherokee County Veterans

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(approx. 0.3 miles away); Memorial to Our World War Dead (approx. 0.3 miles away); Jacksonville's Public Square (approx. 0.4 miles away); Nan Travis Memorial Hospital (approx. 0.4 miles away); Sweet Union Baptist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Oldest Home in Jacksonville (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jacksonville.

Also see . . .
1. Jacksonville, TX (Cherokee County). Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) (Submitted on September 13, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

2. History of the Tomato Bowl. Jacksonville ISD (Submitted on September 13, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Photographed By James Hulse, September 3, 2023

2. Site of First Free Public School Marker

The Site of First Free Public School Marker is on the left side of the stairs image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, September 3, 2023

3. The Site of First Free Public School Marker is on the left side of the stairs

Credits. This page was last revised on September 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 13, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 67 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 13, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.