Jacksonville in Cherokee County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Jacksonville College
The college opened its doors to 34 students in a temporary space in the fall of 1899, taking up residence in its newly completed facility in November. By the end of the first session enrollment had reached 85. The first Jacksonville College president was the Rev. J.V. Vermillion, former president of East Texas Baptist College in Rusk. Among the students in the first graduating class was future Jacksonville College president B.J. Albritton. The school offered a Bachelor of Arts degree, placing a strong emphasis on Greek, Latin and math, as well as biblical and Christian studies.
The East Texas Educational Society proposed to transfer control of the college to the Baptist Missionary Association in 1904; in 1908 the transfer was accepted. The school grew steadily throughout the 20th century. The original 1899 structure long referred to as "Old Main" was razed in 1968. New, modern structures were erected as needed. In 1998, Jacksonville College continued to thrive, following in the footsteps of its founders with a program of religious and academic study.
Erected 1999 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11803.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Education. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1899.
Location. 31° 57.95′ N, 95° 16.833′ W. Marker is in Jacksonville, Texas, in Cherokee County. Marker is on BJ Albritton Drive, 0.1 miles west of North Patton Street, in the median. The marker is located in the parking lot of the college. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 105 BJ Albritton Drive, 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. Newburn-Rawlinson House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sweet Union Baptist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Judge H.T. Brown (approx. half a mile away); Jacksonville's Public Square (approx. half a mile away); Oldest Home in Jacksonville (approx. half a mile away); Memorial to Our World War Dead (approx. half a mile away); In Memory of All Cherokee County Veterans (approx. 0.6 miles away); Sea Scouts Ship 400 (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jacksonville.
Also see . . . Jacksonville College. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) (Submitted on September 15, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 15, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 14, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 64 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 15, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.