Historical Marker

George Washington Carver School

Historical marker location:
1128 MLK Drive, Edna, Texas
( 1128 MLK Drive)
Marker installed: 2014
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

The George Washington Carver School, formerly known as the Edna Colored School, had its first class of students graduate in 1912. Though records are hard to find for the early school years, early settlers believed the site of the first school building to be on the east side of Dry Creek where the police station now stands. The school was established during a tumultuous time in America's social history. Segregated schools were established in Edna but even with the Supreme Court decision stating that segregation was unconstitutional, schools operated on a "two-race" system up until 1965. In 1931, The Edna Colored School was relocated to the southern portion of lots V and VI of Marvin's Second Addition. It stayed in this location until 1953. In 1949, a new auditorium and gymnasium were constructed in the Harlem Addition to the school district. During this time, the Edna Colored School received its new name, George Washington Carver School. In 1954, E. T. and Maymie White-Rose gifted land to the school district to build a new school building. Several of the buildings from the Washington and Harris campus were moved to this new site. The Edna school district was finally integrated in 1967 when Edna High School's graduating class included the first African American students. Even under its "separate but equal" status, Carver School was a highly valued educational institution and has served as a central place for the black community of Edna. In 2008, George Washington Carver was sold to a non-profit group and is now named George Washington Carver Center of Jackson County, Inc. (2014)

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.

education African American
Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
Texas random facts
Jackson County, Texas, located on the Gulf Coast in southeastern Texas, has a rich and diverse history. It was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and the Coahuiltecans. European exploration of the area began in the 16th century when Spanish explorers arrived, but it wasn't until the early 19th century that Anglo-American settlers began to establish permanent settlements.

The history of Jackson County is closely tied to significant events in the development of Texas. In 1821, the area became part of the newly independent Mexico, and Stephen F. Austin, known as the "Father of Texas," received a land grant in what is now Jackson County. The first Anglo-American settlers arrived in the 1820s and began establishing communities, such as Texana and La Placita, which would later become the county seat, Jackson County.

During the Texas Revolution, Jackson County served as an important site for the Texian forces. The Battle of Dimitt's Landing took place in Jackson County, where Texian rebels launched an attack on a Mexican garrison, leading to their retreat. The county also witnessed the playing of the "The Yellow Rose of Texas," a popular folk song believed to have originated during the Battle of San Jacinto.

By the mid-19th century, Jackson County experienced significant growth due to the expansion of the railroad industry and the discovery of oil and gas reserves. Towns like Edna sprung up as trade and transportation centers for the area's agricultural and industrial activities. Today, Jackson County continues to thrive economically with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and energy production.

Throughout its history, Jackson County has played a prominent role in Texas' development, from its early days as a Mexican territory to its contributions in the Texas Revolution and its subsequent growth and prosperity in the 19th and 20th centuries. The county's rich history is reflected in its museums, historical sites, and the legacy of its residents who have shaped the community over the years.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Jackson County, Texas.

  • 1829 - Jackson County is established as part of Mexico's Coahuila y Tejas state.
  • 1836 - Texas gains independence from Mexico, and Jackson County becomes part of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1837 - Jackson County is officially organized as a county.
  • 1845 - Texas is admitted to the United States, and Jackson County becomes one of its counties.
  • 1850s - The county experiences rapid growth due to the arrival of settlers, primarily from southern states.
  • 1861-1865 - Jackson County is heavily involved in the American Civil War, with some residents supporting the Confederacy.
  • 1875 - The first railroad, the New York, Texas and Mexican Railway, reaches Jackson County, boosting the local economy.
  • 1886 - The county seat is moved from Texana to Edna.
  • 1900 - The 1900 Galveston hurricane causes significant damage and loss of life in Jackson County.
  • 1920s-1930s - The discovery of oil leads to a boom in Jackson County's economy.
  • 1940s-1950s - The county experiences a decline in agriculture as the oil industry becomes the primary economic driver.
  • 1970s-Present - Jackson County continues to rely on the oil and gas industry, while also diversifying its economy with manufacturing and agriculture.