Blackshear-Prospect Hill in Austin in Travis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Blackshear Elementary School
Photographed By Keith Peterson, November 18, 2007
1. Blackshear Elementary School Marker
Blackshear Elementary School opened in 1891 to provide free public education to African-American children in the community then known as Gregory Town, Blackshear Elementary School was known in earlier years as School No. 3, Gregory Town School and Gregory School. In 1936, it was named for Edward I. Blackshear (1862-1919), a 19th-century teacher and principal who left Austin in 1895 to become head of Prairie View College. Programs and facilities for Blackshear students, including the establishment of a school library in 1934, expanded as the number of students increased. Now serving an ethnically diverse population in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade classes, Blackshear is an important part of Austin's educational history.
Erected 2001 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12825.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.
Location. 30° 15.996′ N, 97° 43.324′ W. Marker is in Austin, Texas, in Travis County. It is in Blackshear-Prospect Hill. Marker can be reached from East 11th Street west of Salina Street, on
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mount Olive Baptist Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Holy Cross Catholic Church and Community (about 500 feet away); Tillotson College (about 500 feet away); Sailor from the Belle Shipwreck (approx. 0.2 miles away); Texas Patriots (approx. 0.2 miles away); Black Legislators Monument (approx. ¼ mile away); September 11, 2001 Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); James Edward Box (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Austin.
Photographed By Keith Peterson, November 18, 2007
2. Blackshear Elementary School
A portion of the marker can be seen here at the far left of the photo.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 23, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,759 times since then and 94 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 23, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
