Athens in Henderson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Site of Blackshear/Fisher School

Photographed by James Hulse, May 19, 2024

1. Site of Blackshear/Fisher School Marker

Inscription. Athens' first public school for African Americans was established in 1876-77. Athens Colored School held classes in a Baptist church and later in a 2-room schoolhouse erected at this site. Richard C. Fisher, who joined the school's faculty in 1914 and who later became principal, renamed the school Blackshear to honor a former professor at Prairie View College. The school was accredited in 1924 a new school, built here in 1932, was renamed for Professor R.C. Fisher upon his death in 1934. Fisher High School closed in 1966 with the integration of schools in Athens.

Erected 1994 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 10344.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1914.

Location. 32° 12.871′ N, 95° 51.184′ W. Marker is in Athens, Texas, in Henderson County. It is on North Needmore Street near Edmonson Ave, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located in the field of the former school house. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 914 N Needmore St, Athens TX 75751, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, 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: Mt. Providence Baptist Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Richard Columbus Fisher (about 400 feet away); 1925 Henderson County Jail (approx. half a mile away); Jess Sweeten (approx. half a mile

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away); Faulk-Gauntt Building (approx. 0.6 miles away); First United Presbyterian Church of Athens (approx. 0.6 miles away); J.W. Brownlow (approx. 0.7 miles away); First National Bank (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Athens.

Photographed by James Hulse, May 19, 2024

2. Site of Blackshear/Fisher School Marker

The Site of Blackshear/Fisher School and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, May 19, 2024

3. The Site of Blackshear/Fisher School and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 23, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 815 times since then and 74 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 24, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.