Mexia in Limestone County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
St. Paul Industrial College
Photographed by James Hulse, February 13, 2026
1. St. Paul Industrial College Marker
Inscription.
St. Paul Industrial College. . In 1906, African American members of three Texas districts within the Primitive Baptist Church expressed a desire to build an institute of higher education for their communities. In 1919, trustees Thornton Carter (1858-1941), Arthur Randolph Foreman (1885-1944), Rev. Samuel M. Britt (1889-1956) and Lee Wilder Thomas (1873-1953) purchased 76.5 acres of land northwest of Mexia. After some difficulty getting started, St. Paul Primitive Baptist College was incorporated in 1924. The trustees secured a loan from Mexia businessman Julius Nussbaum (1856-1935), and construction began on a two-story red brick classroom and dormitory building. The school was completed in February 1929, and the doors opened in September. The Rev. E. M. Cooper served as the first dean. Teachers included Edith J. Boston, Joanne Cooper, Maggie Pulliam, Janie Stout and P. M. Williams., Every student was required to do both classroom and laboratory-based work. St. Paul taught several different types of courses, including the core academic subjects, and also vocational subjects such as carpentry. Due to its affiliation with the Primitive Baptist Church, the school featured religious training and an annual weeklong revival hosted by area Primitive Baptist church leaders. In addition to classrooms and laboratory spaces, St. Paul had boys' and girls' dormitories and athletic facilities for a football team. After World War II, Carter's son Elijah secured federal subsidies for cabinetmaking and shoe repair instruction for veterans. Throughout its existence, St. Paul struggled financially, and the school closed for good in 1953. Although the main building was demolished around 1980, the school's legacy could be seen for many decades through the skills of St. Paul graduates.
In 1906, African American members of three Texas districts within the Primitive Baptist Church expressed a desire to build an institute of higher education for their communities. In 1919, trustees Thornton Carter (1858-1941), Arthur Randolph Foreman (1885-1944), Rev. Samuel M. Britt (1889-1956) and Lee Wilder Thomas (1873-1953) purchased 76.5 acres of land northwest of Mexia. After some difficulty getting started, St. Paul Primitive Baptist College was incorporated in 1924. The trustees secured a loan from Mexia businessman Julius Nussbaum (1856-1935), and construction began on a two-story red brick classroom and dormitory building. The school was completed in February 1929, and the doors opened in September. The Rev. E. M. Cooper served as the first dean. Teachers included Edith J. Boston, Joanne Cooper, Maggie Pulliam, Janie Stout and P. M. Williams.
Every student was required to do both classroom and laboratory-based work. St. Paul taught several different types of courses, including the core academic subjects, and also vocational subjects such as carpentry. Due to its affiliation with the Primitive Baptist Church, the school featured religious training and an annual weeklong revival hosted by area Primitive Baptist church leaders. In addition to classrooms and laboratory spaces, St. Paul had boys' and girls' dormitories
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and athletic facilities for a football team. After World War II, Carter's son Elijah secured federal subsidies for cabinetmaking and shoe repair instruction for veterans. Throughout its existence, St. Paul struggled financially, and the school closed for good in 1953. Although the main building was demolished around 1980, the school's legacy could be seen for many decades through the skills of St. Paul graduates.
Erected 2022 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 23760.)
Location. 31° 40.977′ N, 96° 29.82′ W. Marker is in Mexia, Texas, in Limestone County. It is at the intersection of West Milam Street (U.S. 84) and College Ave, on the left when traveling east on West Milam Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1402 US-84, Mexia TX 76667, 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.
In the annals of African American history, the tales of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Texas often spotlight institutions like Prairie View A&M University and Paul Quinn College. Yet, the story of St. Paul College, nestled in Mexia, Texas, remains a hidden chapter, marked by perseverance, community spirit, and educational aspirations. Founded in 1928 and closing its doors in 1953, St. Paul College was a beacon of hope during an era when African Americans sought to carve out a brighter future through education.
(Submitted on February 14, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Photographed by James Hulse, February 13, 2026
3. St. Paul Industrial College Marker
The view of the marker from U.S.84 Highway.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 13, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 57 times since then. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on February 14, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
