Pontotoc in Mason County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Pontotoc and San Fernando Academy
(Site of Academy is 100 yards north)
Photographed by Duane Hall, December 8, 2015
1. Pontotoc and San Fernando Academy Marker
Pontotoc, settled about 1859, was named by first merchant, M.R. Kidd, for his former home town in Mississippi. Post office was opened in 1878 in the B.J. Willis home, with Mrs. Willis postmaster.
Founded by interested citizens, San Fernando Academy (probably named for nearby creek), opened 1883. Pupils (200 during academy's career) took regular subjects or courses leading toward teacher certificates. Principals were K.T. Hamilton and W.C. Roaten. After academy failed, site was sold by W.J. and B.J. Willis and used by the public school until 1927.
Erected 1972 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 11294.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.
Location. 30° 54.57′ N, 98° 58.741′ W. Marker is in Pontotoc, Texas, in Mason County. It is on State Highway 71 0.1 miles west of Farm to Market Road 501, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pontotoc TX 76869, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Hill Country. 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 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Veterans of the Hutchison School (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Union Band Cemetery (approx. 4.1 miles away); Huffman Cemetery (approx. 5 miles away); Wagram Cemetery (approx. 9.1 miles away); Valley Spring Cemetery (approx. 9.3 miles away); Community of Valley Spring (approx. 10.1 miles away); Homesite of Emil Kriewitz
this page online
Also see . . . Pontotoc, TX. From the Texas State Historical Association's "Handbook of Texas Online". (Submitted on December 11, 2015.)
Photographed by Duane Hall, December 8, 2015
2. Marker in Front of
Building Ruins of San Fernando Academy
Building Ruins of San Fernando Academy
Photographed by Duane Hall, December 8, 2015
3. View to West from State Highway 71
Credits. This page was last revised on November 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 11, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 2,888 times since then and 140 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 11, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.
