Abilene in Taylor County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Mexican-American / Americanization School
Private and parochial schools, in addition to the public schools attended by Anglos, served Mexican Americans in Abilene until the turn of the 20th century. By 1910 a public school was established specifically for Mexican American children in grades one through six. An “Americanization” school opened in 1920; it was relocated to 541 North 8th Street in 1936 and remained in operation until 1948.
Facilities for Mexican American children in Texas cities like Abilene often were inferior to those maintained for Anglos; equipment and materials were substandard. Some Mexican American students in Abilene attended the Anglo schools closest to their homes. Sam Houston School opened in 1949 and served Mexican American students until 1979. Mexican American students from this neighborhood attended integrated elementary schools. Attitudes and philosophy began to change in the late 20th century as Abilenians of Mexican American descent achieved higher levels of education and became active participants in community life, and other Abilenians became aware of the vital importance of Texas’ diverse heritage. Sam Houston School became a district-wide student achievement center in 1979.
Erected 1999 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12221.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Education • Hispanic Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1839.
Location. 32° 27.236′ N, 99° 43.474′ W. Marker is in Abilene, Texas, in Taylor County. Marker is at the intersection of N. 6th Street and Cottonwood Street, on the right when traveling east on N. 6th Street. Marker is located at the southeast corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 317 N 6th St, Abilene TX 79601, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Macedonia Baptist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Thomas Middlebrook Willis (approx. 0.2 miles away); "Double V" Memorial Flagpole (approx. ¼ mile away); Claiborne Walker Merchant (approx. ¼ mile away); Abilene African-American Schools (approx. ¼ mile away); James Winford Hunt (approx. ¼ mile away); Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); Mount Zion Baptist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Abilene.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 17, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 691 times since then and 86 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 17, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.