Fairfield in Freestone County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Dogan High School

Photographed by James Hulse, April 30, 2025

1. Dogan High School Marker

Inscription. The first public school for African Americans in Fairfield was established in 1926. Located on what was known as "The Flat" on a small one-acre plot adjacent to the First Baptist Church, the school was named Fairfield Colored School. Over time, enrollment increased, requiring additional classrooms. The sanctuary of the First Baptist Church was used as a classroom for a time. In 1934, community members, including Billie Lorenzo McIlveen, Willie Solomon and Bill Nolan, successfully petitioned the school board to relocate the school to this site, retaining the same faculty and nine-grade system. Shortly after, in keeping with Texas College requirements, Fairfield began to offer courses to meet entrance criteria that led to the establishment of the Colored High School. Also at this time, Principal Mae V. Donahue suggested changing the name of the school to Dogan High School, in honor of Wiley College President, Dr. Matthew Dogan, Sr.

Dogan's Wildcat Athletic Program consisted of baseball, track and basketball for boys, and softball, track and basketball for girls. The Dogan Wildcat Boys' team was runner-up in the state basketball tournament in 1953, 1957, 1959 and 1963. Mr. Randolph Titus, principal of Dogan High School from 1936-1968, instilled pride in education in his students despite social and educational obstacles. Mr. Titus' success may be measured by the success of his students. Dogan alumni went on to be notable educators, dentists, doctors, lawyers, ministers, veterans, public officials and more. Academic programs at Dogan High School proved among the best in the area and enrollment increased. Dogan fully integrated in 1968. The campus continues to serve as a location for many organizations and community events focusing on education and social service.

Erected 2016 by Texas Historical Commission.

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(Marker Number 18412.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Religion & Religious Structures • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1926.

Location. 31° 42.754′ N, 96° 9.755′ W. Marker is in Fairfield, Texas, in Freestone County. It is at the intersection of South Bateman Road and Dogan Street, on the right when traveling north on South Bateman Road. The marker is located at the front of the building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 920 S Bateman Rd, Fairfield TX 75840, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region.

It is also in the American South.

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: David Hall Love (approx. 0.7 miles away); James Bonner Rogers

Dogan High School and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, April 30, 2025

2. Dogan High School and Marker

(approx. 0.7 miles away); The Manahan House (approx. ¾ mile away); Rev. George Washington Baines (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Fridolin (Fred) Fischer Home (approx. 0.9 miles away); Freestone County (approx. 0.9 miles away); Captain L.D. Bradley (approx. 0.9 miles away); Val Verde Battery (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fairfield.

The view of the Dogan High School and Marker along the road image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, April 30, 2025

3. The view of the Dogan High School and Marker along the road

Credits. This page was last revised on April 30, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 30, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 182 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 30, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.