Corsicana in Navarro County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Former Site of the Fred Douglass - G.W. Jackson School

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 31, 2026

1. Former Site of the Fred Douglass - G.W. Jackson School Marker

Inscription.
Corsicana built its first public school for blacks on this site in 1881. The early formal name, commemorating ethnic leader Frederick Douglass (1817-95), was changed in 1925 to honor the first principal, G.W. Jackson (1854-1940). A Booker T. Washington disciple, Jackson introduced industrial education and other progressive ideas. The school became famous for its music department and football championships, and had intensely loyal alumni. In 1970, integration ended its career. Its buildings were razed in 1974 and this park was created in 1976.

Erected 1977 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11614.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.

Location. 32° 5.924′ N, 96° 27.357′ W. Marker is in Corsicana, Texas, in Navarro County. It is at the intersection of G W Jackson Avenue and N. 1st Street, on the left when traveling east on G W Jackson Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1005 G W Jackson Ave, Corsicana TX 75110, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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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,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Rex Ingram (here, next to this marker); First Independent Baptist Church of Corsicana (approx. 0.2 miles away); George Washington (G.W.) Jackson (approx. ¼ mile away); Dr. Will Coleman, Sr. (approx. ¼ mile away); G.W. Jackson (approx. 0.3 miles away); Lois Jean Hart (approx. 0.3 miles away); American Well & Prospecting Co. (approx. 0.3 miles away); Corsicana Newspapers (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Corsicana.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 31, 2026

2. Former Site of the Fred Douglass - G.W. Jackson School Marker

Marker is on the right; Rex Ingram marker (7215) is on the left

Credits. This page was last revised on September 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 31, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.