Wills Point in Van Zandt County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Cartwright School

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, April 7, 2024

1. Cartwright School Marker

Inscription. Provisions for the first African American public school in Wills Point were made around 1878. The school was located on the north side of Wills Point on what is now North Wills Street. In 1926, the school relocated to the south of town on Bertha Street. Although the school was underfunded, it attracted certified African American teachers, some of whom taught children during the day and their parents at night.

In 1930, when grades were extended through tenth grade, the school was named in honor of principal and teacher professor Robert L. Cartwright. A new school was built with assistance of land and labor provided by the local African American community and grant funds through the Rosenwald Foundation which was established to improve African American education in the south.

In 1935 and 1938, students earned awards in math, declaiming and debate in competitions at Prairie View College (a historically black college). Over the years, school enrollment grew and in 1944 Samuel A. Sparks was hired as principal. Classes were extended to twelfth grade in 1949 and the school became a state accredited high school. Acapella

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choir, homemaking, basketball and other activities were added to the curriculum.

The last graduating class at Cartwright School was in 1965 following integration and several original buildings were demolished in 1998. However, with a state grant, the Cartwright School gymnasium was converted to a multi-purpose center. The school is a clear reminder of the hardships and determination to provide an education to the African American community.

Erected 2016 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 18399.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.

Location. 32° 42.087′ N, 96° 0.662′ W. Marker is in Wills Point, Texas, in Van Zandt County. It is on Bertha Street 0.1 miles west of South 4th Street, on the left when traveling west. Marker is on Bertha St, between Fourth and W Park Dr (F.M. 47). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 711 S 4th St, Wills Point TX 75169, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally,

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, April 7, 2024

2. Cartwright School Marker

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,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Russell Memorial United Methodist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Wills Point Schools (approx. 0.4 miles away); First National Bank of Wills Point (approx. half a mile away); Wynne & Wynne Law Office (approx. half a mile away); Bruce & Human Drug Company (approx. half a mile away); Rose Fountain (approx. 0.6 miles away); Brick Streets of Wills Point (approx. 0.6 miles away); First Baptist Church (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wills Point.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 9, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 9, 2024, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 554 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 9, 2024, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.