Old Pakan School

Historical marker location:

FM 453, about 4.5 mi. N of IH 40, Shamrock, Texas

( From Shamrock, take I-40 west about 9 miles to F.M. 453 exit; take F.M. 453 north about 4.5 miles to marker site)

Named for Sam Pakan, Sr., (1875-1929), Slovak emigrant. Success in Chicago enabled him to buy land here, 1904. Ten other Slovak families joined him and pooled funds to build first school, 1907. Some old settlers remaining include Linkeys, Mertels, Pakans, Macinas, Hrnciars, Smith and Cadras. (1967).

education Czech immigrants immigration

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.