Historical Marker

Booker T. Washington School

Historical marker location:
1205 N. Brain St., Borger, Texas
( 1205 N. Brain St.)
Marker installed: 2013
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON SCHOOL

TWO YEARS AFTER BORGER’S FOUNDING, A 1928 SCHOLASTIC CENSUS COUNTED FIVE AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS IN TWO FAMILIES. BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH, ON THE CITY’S WEST SIDE, HOSTED THE FIRST SCHOOL FOR BLACK CHILDREN, WITH MRS. TALLIE ANDERSON SMITH, WHO STAYED FOR ABOUT FIFTEEN YEARS, HIRED AS THE FIRST TEACHER FOR SIX GRADES. IN 1929, THE SCHOOL, STILL HOSTED BY THE CHURCH, MOVED TO THE NORTH SIDE OF BORGER. IN 1931, IN A ONE-ROOM FRAME BUILDING AT BRAIN AND 11TH STREETS, THE BORGER ISD ESTABLISHED ITS FIRST SCHOOL FOR BLACK STUDENTS, NAMED BOOKER T. WASHINGTON SCHOOL FOR THE NOTED EDUCATOR. IN 1936 THE CAMPUS INCLUDED A ONE-TEACHER SCHOOL AND AS MANY AS FIFTY STUDENTS.

R. G. COFIELD AND HIS WIFE, MAYE DELLA, CAME TO BORGER IN 1946 TO FURTHER EDUCATION OF BLACK CHILDREN. UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF MR. COFIELD AS PRINCIPAL AND HIS WIFE AS A TEACHER, THE FACULTY GREW FROM TWO TO SEVEN, A NEW BRICK BUILDING WAS COMPLETED, AND TWO FORMER BARRACKS FROM PAMPA AIR FORCE BASE WERE ADAPTED AS A GYMNASIUM AND ADDITIONAL CLASSROOMS. THE SCHOOL WAS ALSO EXTENDED TO TWELVE GRADES, WITH JOHN L. MILES THE FIRST GRADUATE IN 1949. THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM CONTINUED TO GROW, AND THE DRAGONS AND DRAGONETTES EXCELLED AT BASKETBALL AND OTHER SPORTS. AFTER BROWN v. BOARD OF EDUCATION IN 1954 INITIATED NATIONWIDE DESEGREGATION OF SCHOOLS, THE BOARD OF EDUCATION VOTED TO INTEGRATE GRADES SEVEN THROUGH TWELVE IN SPRING 1956. THAT FALL, BOOKER T. WASHINGTON BECAME AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND OLDER BLACK STUDENTS WENT TO SAM HOUSTON JUNIOR HIGH AND BORGER SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS. AS A RESULT OF DESEGREGATION, BOOKER T. WASHINGTON SCHOOL CLOSED IN 1964, AND MOST OF THE TEACHERS LEFT BORGER TO SEEK OTHER JOBS. THE SCHOOL IS FONDLY REMEMBERED AS AN IMPORTANT PART OF BORGER’S AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY.

(2013)

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.

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Texas random facts
Hutchinson County, located in the Panhandle region of Texas, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Apache, Comanche, and Kiowa, who relied on the region's resources for their livelihoods. The first European explorers arrived in the area in the 16th century, with Spanish explorers exploring the region in search of riches and new lands.

In the 19th century, settlers began to make their way to Hutchinson County. The first permanent settlement was established in the early 1880s, with the establishment of the town of Plemons. The town served as a trading post and provided essential services to the surrounding ranching community. It wasn't until 1901 that the first oil well was drilled in the county, marking the beginning of the oil boom that would shape the future of Hutchinson County.

The discovery of oil led to a rapid influx of people and businesses to the region. Oil companies set up drilling operations, and towns such as Borger and Stinnett were founded to support the growing industry. This period of growth and prosperity continued throughout the early to mid-20th century, with oil production reaching its peak in the 1930s. The county became known as one of the leading oil-producing regions in Texas.

However, like many areas dependent on a single industry, Hutchinson County experienced ups and downs in its economic fortunes. The oil industry faced declining production and prices in the latter half of the 20th century, leading to a decline in population and economic activity. But in recent years, efforts have been made to diversify the county's economy, with a focus on industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy.

Today, Hutchinson County continues to be home to a vibrant community, with a mix of traditional industries and newer, emerging sectors. The county's rich history, from its Native American roots to its oil boom days, is celebrated and preserved, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the legacy and progress of this dynamic region.

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

  • 1876 - Hutchinson County is officially established. It is named after Andrew Hutchinson, a jurist and politician.
  • 1880s - The first ranches are established in the area as settlers move in and begin cattle ranching.
  • 1920s - Oil is discovered in Hutchinson County, leading to a boom in population and economic growth.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression hits the county hard, causing a decline in population and economic struggles.
  • 1950s - The oil industry experiences another boom, leading to increased drilling and production in Hutchinson County.
  • 1970s - The county experiences a decline in oil production, leading to economic challenges for the region.
  • 1990s - Efforts are made to diversify the economy, including the development of wind power projects in the area.
  • 2000s - Hutchinson County witnesses a resurgence in the oil and gas industry, leading to increased economic activity.