Gonzales in Gonzales County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
1851 College Survives the Civil War
Gonzales in the Civil War
Photographed by Dave W, February 7, 2026
1. 1851 College Survives the Civil War Marker
Gonzales College, established in March, 1851, was the first co-education institution of education in Texas west of the Brazos River. It was Gonzales' first permanent school building and opened on Monday, April 4, 1853. Records indicate that "the Gonzales College awarded the B. A. degree to graduates of its female department as early as 1857 thus becoming the only institution in Texas to award such a degree to a woman before the Civil War."
The realities of war broke the routine of school in 1862 as Gonzales College teachers and secondary aged male students joined the Confederacy. The male students building was badly damaged by a severe storm and torn down. The Mauren Quarry stone is said to have been used to build the block house at the CSA Fort Waul. In 1891 WM Atkinson, a graduate of the college, purchased the college and converted the building to a private residence making several faηade alterations.
The College, a private home, is located at 820 St. Louis Street.
Erected by 1885 Gonzales County Jail Museum / Gonzales County Archives.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • War, US Civil • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is April 4, 1853.
Location. 29° 30.138′ N, 97° 27.14′
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Hill Country. 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: Gonzales Military Contributions to the CSA (here, next to this marker); Fort Waul on the Guadalupe River (here, next to this marker); Confederate Monument, Independence Square (a few steps from this marker); Women of the Confederacy (a few steps from this marker); Jail Square (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Confederate Monument (a few steps from this marker); From Segregation to Integration (within shouting distance of this marker); Segregation in Gonzales: Edwards High School (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gonzales.
Photographed by Dave W, February 7, 2026
2. 1851 College Survives the Civil War Marker
Marker is first from the left.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 9, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 52 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 9, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
