Historical Marker

Dogan High School

Historical marker location:
900 S Bateman Rd., Fairfield, Texas
( Undertold marker 2016; Southeast Corner of 900 S. Bateman and Dogan Street)
Marker installed: 2016
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

The first public school for African Americans in Fairfield was established in 1926. Located on what was known as “The Flat” on a small one-acre plot adjacent to the First Baptist Church, the school was named Fairfield Colored School. Over time, enrollment increased, requiring additional classrooms. The sanctuary of the First Baptist Church was used as a classroom for a time. In 1934, community members, including Billie Lorenzo McIlveen, Willie Solomon and Bill Nolan, successfully petitioned the school board to relocate the school to this site, retaining the same faculty and nine-grade system. Shortly after, in keeping with Texas college requirements, Fairfield began to offer courses to meet entrance criteria that led to the establishment of the Colored High School. Also at this time, Principal Mae V. Donahue suggested changing the name of the school to Dogan High School, in honor of Wiley College President, Dr. Matthew Dogan, Sr.

Dogan’s Wildcat Athletic Program consisted of baseball, track and basketball for boys, and softball, track and basketball for girls. The Dogan Wildcat boys’ team was runner-up in the state basketball tournament in 1953, 1957, 1959 and 1963. Mr. Randolph Titus, Principal of Dogan High School from 1936-1968, instilled pride in education in his students despite social and educational obstacles. Mr. Titus’ success may be measured by the success of his students. Dogan alumni went on to be notable educators, dentists, doctors, lawyers, ministers, veterans, public officials and more. Academic programs at Dogan High School proved among the best in the area and enrollment increased. Dogan fully integrated in 1968. The campus continues to serve as a location for many organizations and community events focusing on education and social service.

(2016)

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.

African American Baptist denomination education segregation, Jim Crow
The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Freestone County, located in central-east Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The region was home to various Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Caddo, and Tonkawa, before European settlement. The arrival of Spanish explorers and later American settlers in the 19th century greatly impacted the area and shaped its history.

In the early 1800s, the region was a part of the Spanish province of Tejas, and later became a part of Mexico after gaining independence from Spain. The first American settlers arrived in the area in the early 1830s, and the region became a part of the Republic of Texas in 1836. During this time, the county was primarily used for farming and ranching, with cotton becoming an important cash crop.

The county was officially established in 1850 and named after James Freestone, who fought in the Texas Revolution. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived, and communities such as Fairfield and Teague were established as agricultural centers. In the late 19th century, the arrival of the railroad further bolstered the county's economy and facilitated transportation and commerce.

In the 20th century, Freestone County faced the challenges brought by the Great Depression, but managed to recover with the help of government programs and the establishment of manufacturing industries. Today, the county continues to be an agricultural region known for its fertile soils, producing a variety of crops including cotton, corn, and sorghum. It also boasts a rich natural heritage, with attractions such as Fairfield Lake State Park attracting visitors to enjoy outdoor activities in a picturesque setting.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Freestone County, Texas.

  • 1836 - Texas gains independence from Mexico
  • 1846 - Freestone County is established
  • Late 1800s - County experiences growth in population and agriculture
  • 1893 - Texas State Railroad extends into Freestone County, boosting transportation and commerce
  • Mid-1900s - County sees advancements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare
  • 1980s - Oil and gas production becomes a significant industry
  • Present - Freestone County continues to thrive as a rural community, known for agriculture and outdoor recreation