Abilene in Taylor County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Site of Abilene's First School

Photographed by Duane Hall, May 14, 2016

1. Site of Abilene's First School Marker

Inscription. This site was set aside for use as a school by Stoddard Johnston, a newspaperman who platted the town of Abilene in the early 1880s. While the first schoolhouse was under construction in the spring of 1881, classes were held in a tent pitched between Hickory and Cedar streets. As was typical in early frontier towns, the schoolhouse also served as a community center and was used for church worship services. By 1884, the student population had outgrown the schoolhouse, and a new structure was built elsewhere. This site is a reminder of Abilene’s early educational history.
Texas Sesquicentennial 1836 - 1986

Erected 1986 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4720.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.

Location. 32° 27.132′ N, 99° 44.123′ W. Marker is in Abilene, Texas, in Taylor County. It can be reached from the intersection of Cedar Street and N. 3rd Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is attached to northeast corner of building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 318 Cedar St, Abilene TX 79601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Big 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 Comanchería,

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: Hotel Wooten (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Laughter Undertaking Co.

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); The Bankhead Highway (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Hotel Grace (approx. 0.2 miles away); Texas & Pacific Railroad Depot (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Texas & Pacific Railway (approx. ¼ mile away); First Presbyterian Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Pine Street Shootout (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Abilene.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Abilene Reporter-News (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Site of Abilene's First School image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane Hall, May 14, 2016

2. Site of Abilene's First School

View to west across Cedar Street

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 16, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 965 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 16, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.