Brownwood in Brown County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Rufus F. Hardin Museum

Photographed by James Hulse, May 30, 2024

1. Rufus F. Hardin Museum Marker

Inscription. George E. Smith, a former Buffalo Soldier and elder came to Brownwood from Fort Concho in San Angelo in the early 1880's and established a school for Black children. In the beginning, school was held in various buildings and the local Black churches. Rufus F. Hardin, an experienced educator, came to Brownwood in 1896 and was both a principal and a teacher in the school for Black children. The building at this site opened in September 1917 and was called the Brownwood Colored High School. In 1934, the school's name was changed to Rufus F. Hardin in honor of Professor Hardin. This site is dedicated to all who gave and recieved their education in the halls of Rufus F. Hardin High School.

Erected 2004 by Sterling Monument Co.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1917.

Location. 31° 43.501′ N, 98° 59.435′ W. Marker is in Brownwood, Texas, in Brown County. It is at the intersection of Hall Street and Almonds Street, on the right when traveling south on Hall Street. The marker is located at the front entrance to the old high school building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1009 Hall St, Brownwood TX 76801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Big Country.

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 Comanchería,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Rufus F. Hardin High School (here, next to this marker); Lee Chapel A.M.E. Church (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

line); Emanuel Chapel United Methodist Church (about 700 feet away); J. A. Walker House (approx. 0.6 miles away); R. B. Rogers House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Welcome William Chandler (approx. 0.6 miles away); Brown County Jail (approx. 0.6 miles away); Coggin and Parks Building (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brownwood.

Also see . . . A Brief History of R.F. Hardin High School. Brown County Historical Society

In the beginning school was held in buildings and the local black churches. Rufus F. Hardin, an experienced teacher, was contacted several times and encouraged by school officials to come to Brownwood to teach the black children. He came to Brownwood in 1896 and became principal and teacher. He taught school in buildings located at the corner of Cordell and Hendricks streets and Beaver and Cordell streets. The school was referred to as the "Cordell School." The grade level of the School Was six and later extended to the 8th. During the early stages of the development of the school, there were only 2 teachers.

(Submitted on June 8, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The Rufus F. Hardin Museum Marker sits behind a Texas Historical Commission marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, May 30, 2024

2. The Rufus F. Hardin Museum Marker sits behind a Texas Historical Commission marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 336 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 8, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.