Belton in Bell County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

African American Education in Belton

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, October 20, 2025

1. African American Education in Belton Marker

Inscription. Bell County school districts were formed in 1854. The earliest record of public education for area African American students dates from 1882 when Mrs. Aleck McGee was hired "to teach the colored school." Professor Thomas Breckenridge Harris (1862-1907), a graduate of Fisk University, became the first instructor of the African American High School in 1890. The name "West Belton School" was chosen in 1900. In 1936 a new building was erected on this site to house African American students of all grade levels. By petition the school was named "T. W. Harris" for its revered former principal. The last class graduated in 1966; Belton schools were integrated the following year.

Erected 1998 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11720.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.

Location. 31° 3.662′ N, 97° 28.016′ W. Marker is in Belton, Texas, in Bell County. It is on N Alexander Street north of W 3rd Ave, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Belton TX 76513,

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United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Texas.

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,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Belton Woman's Commonwealth (approx. 0.2 miles away); Early Bell County Jail (approx. ¼ mile away); First Baptist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Scott & White School of Nursing (approx. 0.3 miles away); Site of Sam Houston Speech (approx. 0.3 miles away); William Whitaker Reed (approx. 0.3 miles away); Woman's Wednesday Club (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Carnegie Library Building (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Belton.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, October 20, 2025

2. African American Education in Belton Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 23, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 106 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 23, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.