Daule School
Historical marker location:Cuero Colored High School was founded in 1892 as the first African American school in Cuero. The building was a one-room wooden structure built on lot fourteen of the Morgantown addition to the city. Prior to the 1890s, schools for black children were available in the rural communities. A tax bond was passed to allow the first public school for black children to be built. Most of the pupils came from farm families and could only attend school when they were not working. The first teacher was C.H. Griggs, a 32-year-old graduate from the Southern University of Baton Rouge. The principal of the school was Eugene Daule, who played an important role in black education progress in Dewitt County for the next 40 years. He held extra literary programs for students and used the materials available to the school as best he could, though it was obvious that the schools were not equal in funding and supplies.
In 1937, the name of Cuero Colored High school was changed to Daule High School. A new school building was constructed in 1948 using the latest school building design, built of hollow tile and concrete and painted white. In 1947, Principal George Anderson introduced a music program. Under the leadership of David Hegwood, the band excelled and received many Division I ratings at state competitions. The school also excelled in academics, agriculture, sports, homemaking and choir. The school closed in 1965 when Cuero public schools integrated. Daule High School and Cuero Colored High School remind us of the struggles of the black community and their resolution in the face of adversity
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
Texas is home to the world's largest bat colony. The Bracken Bat Cave, near San Antonio, is home to millions of Mexican free-tailed bats.
In 1827, the area that is now DeWitt County was incorporated into the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. Shortly after, American settlement began in the region, with empresarios such as Green DeWitt and Martín de León playing significant roles. DeWitt, for whom the county is named, received a land grant in 1825 and played a vital part in bringing Anglo-American colonizers to the area.
DeWitt County saw significant growth during the Texas Revolution in the 1830s. The Battle of Gonzales, the first engagement of the revolution, occurred just outside the county's boundaries. The county itself became a site of conflict during the revolution, with the Battle of Ethel's Woods and the Battle of Gonzales River Bridge taking place within its borders.
After Texas gained independence from Mexico, DeWitt County was officially established in 1846. The county seat was initially Gonzales, but it was moved to Cuero in 1876. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, DeWitt County experienced economic growth due to industries such as ranching, oil, and agriculture.
Present-day DeWitt County continues to thrive as a center for agriculture, oil and gas production, and tourism. The county is known for its rich historical sites, including the Gonzales Memorial Museum, which houses artifacts from the Texas Revolution, and numerous ranches that showcase the area's strong cattle industry. DeWitt County's history is a testament to the resilience and determination of its early settlers and remains an essential part of Texas's broader historical narrative.
DeWitt County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of DeWitt County, Texas.
- 1827: DeWitt County is established as a part of DeWitt's Colony in Mexican Texas.
- 1840: The Battle of Plum Creek takes place in DeWitt County during the Texan Revolution.
- 1846: DeWitt County becomes a part of the newly formed Republic of Texas.
- 1848: Texas becomes a state of the United States, and DeWitt County remains a part of it.
- 1850: Population growth leads to the establishment of the county seat, Cuero.
- 1870: The Gulf, Western Texas and Pacific Railway reaches Cuero, increasing trade and transportation opportunities.
- 1874: Cuero is officially incorporated as a city.
- 1893: Oil is discovered in DeWitt County, leading to economic growth and development.
- 1923: A disastrous fire destroys much of downtown Cuero.
- 1941-1945: DeWitt County contributes to the war effort during World War II.
- 1960s-1970s: DeWitt County experiences a decline in population and economic activity.
- 1990s-present: DeWitt County experiences a resurgence in oil and gas production, leading to economic growth.