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

G.W. Jackson

Photographed by James Hulse, September 5, 2026

1. G.W. Jackson Marker

Inscription.
Born into slavery in Smith Station, Alabama, to parents Anderson and Clara Jackson, George Washington (G.W.) Jackson (1856–1940) was a pioneer Navarro County educator, author, civic and religious leader for 52 years. His parents valued education although anti-literacy laws made it illegal to educate African Americans. His father was a reverend who is credited as one of the founders of the Colored Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church. After emancipation, he secured teaching credentials. Jackson moved to Texas briefly to teach near Kerens before enrolling at Fisk University to continue his education. He returned to Texas in 1882 when he learned the first public high school for African Americans was being built in Corsicana. Jackson was selected as the inaugural principal. Jackson was a fixture in the progressive education movement in Texas, and he practiced a wholistic approach to education. He installed a sense of identity, dignity and self-worth in all students in addition to providing general education and vocational instruction. He spent the entirety of his career in Corsicana and Navarro County.

In 1884 Jackson became

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active in the Texas State Colored Teachers Association. He served as the association’s seventh president from 1894–1895. Jackson was grand master of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows. He was also active in the Corsicana Cemetery Association, the Negro Business League and the Community Center. He and his wife Mattie (1878–1954) were active in Bethel AME Church. He also wrote several books, articles and editorials on education.

The school suffered a fire in 1925, and the new school erected in its place was named the G.W. Jackson High School in his honor. Jackson influenced and inspired generations of students, and in so doing helped change their lives for the better.

Erected 2022 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 23647.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.

Location. 32° 5.687′ N, 96° 27.434′ W. Marker is in Corsicana, Texas, in Navarro County. It is at the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (Business U.S. 31) and S 5th Street, on the right when traveling west on Dr. Martin Luther

Photographed by James Hulse, September 5, 2026

2. G.W. Jackson Marker

King Jr. Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 700 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Corsicana TX 75110, 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,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lois Jean Hart (a few steps from this marker); George Washington (G.W.) Jackson (a few steps from this marker); Dr. Will Coleman, Sr. (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Independent Baptist Church of Corsicana (approx. 0.2 miles away); Corsicana Newspapers (approx. ¼ mile away); Rex Ingram (approx. ¼ mile away); Former Site of the Fred Douglass - G.W. Jackson School (approx. 0.3 miles away); American Well & Prospecting Co. (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Corsicana.

G.W. Jackson Statue in the park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 5, 2026

3. G.W. Jackson Statue in the park

Credits. This page was last revised on September 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 5, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.