Washington High School

Washington High School. . , The first known school for Groesbeck's African American community was established about two miles southeast of town in 1882 when land was deeded to the county to be used for educational purposes. When the school district formed in 1890, a new facility was built. A building constructed on S. Leon Street in 1900 in an area known as "the flat" was used until the early 1920s. In 1922, Groesbeck ISD constructed a brick school building with five classrooms. Located on North Grayson street, the Blackshear School was funded through the Rosenwald Foundation as well as a bond passed by residents and donations from the community., In 1932, Nelson Washington (1887-1972) became principal of the Blackshear School, and under his leadership the educational institution expanded its courses, faculty, campus and enrollment. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, the school district began to improve conditions at the school but in 1955, they decided to build a new facility at a new site. It was named in honor of Principal Washington and dedicated in 1957. The new building included nine classrooms, science lab, vocational shop and more. Long-time teacher and coach, Elwood Enge (1914-1992), became principal in 1959. In 1965, a new four-wing addition was completed along with a gymnasium that was partially funded by the booster club. Following integration of Groesbeck ISD in 1969, Washington High School was used as a junior high until 1989, when it became Enge-Washington Intermediate School a new intermediate school was completed in 2011 and much of the 1950s structure was demolished in 2018. The school is remembered as a vital part of the African American community in Groesbeck, both educationally and socially.