Historical Marker

Columbia Rosenwald School

Historical marker location:
247 E. Brazos, West Columbia, Texas
( Columbia Historical Museum, facing S. Broad Street between E. Brazos and E. Clay streets)
Marker installed: 2007
Marker size: 27" x 42"

A grant from the Rosenwald Foundation of Chicago led to the establishment of a local school for African American students. The foundation represented a collaboration between Julius Rosenwald, president of Sears, Roebuck and Company, and the noted African American educator Booker T. Washington to fund similar schools throughout the South. This is one of the few remaining of the hundreds built in Texas.

The program began in 1917, and by the 1920s there was a strong need for an African American school in East Columbia. County officials utilized the Rosenwald grant, as well as local funds and contributions from the African American community, to establish schools in both East and West Columbia. The building at this site, which opened in East Columbia in 1921, served children whose school had previously been sharing space with a nearby church. The school's first teacher was Mrs. P.A. Franklin.

Columbia Rosenwald School included grades one through seven, adding an eighth grade by the 1940s. Also during the 1940s, the nearby Green Hill African American school consolidated with Columbia Rosenwald School. Students often attended classes after the fall harvest finished, though the school term had already begun. Subjects included spelling, arithmetic, reading, language, writing, drawing, geography, history and science.

Columbia Rosenwald School closed in 1949 after the West and East Columbia school districts consolidated. The building here stands as an important reminder of early African American educational efforts in the area and as a symbol of the philanthropic activity that made it possible. (2007)

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 education
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Texas random facts
Brazoria County, located in southeastern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Karankawa and the Atakapan, who thrived along the Gulf Coast. European exploration of the region began in the 16th century, with Spanish explorers venturing into the area. However, it was not until the 1820s that significant permanent settlements were established.

In 1822, Stephen F. Austin brought the first American colonists to the region, leading to the establishment of the Austin Colony. The county was officially organized in 1832 and was named after the Brazos River, which borders the county to the north. The economy of Brazoria County in the early years was predominantly agricultural, with cotton becoming a major cash crop and sugar production gaining prominence. Slavery played a significant role in the county’s economy, with many enslaved people working on the plantations.

During the Texas Revolution in the 1830s, the area witnessed several historical events. Significantly, Velasco, a small community in Brazoria County, served as the site of the Battle of Velasco, where Texan rebels clashed with Mexican troops in June 1832. The county also provided numerous soldiers to the Texas Army, with several residents playing important roles in the fight for Texas independence.

In the following years, Brazoria County experienced growth and development, with several towns and communities emerging. In the late 19th century, railways expanded through the county, further boosting its economic prospects. The discovery of oil and gas reserves in the early 20th century brought even greater prosperity to the area. Today, Brazoria County continues to thrive economically, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, petrochemicals, manufacturing, and tourism.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Brazoria County, Texas.

  • 1822 - Stephen Austin received the first land grant in the area that would become Brazoria County.
  • 1832 - Brazoria County was officially established as a municipality of Mexico.
  • 1836 - Texas gained independence from Mexico, and Brazoria County became part of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1837 - The county seat was moved from Velasco to Brazoria.
  • 1839 - The county seat was once again relocated, this time to Columbia.
  • 1842 - Brazoria County was split, and part of it became Fort Bend County under the Republic of Texas.
  • 1846 - Texas was admitted to the United States, and Brazoria County became a county in the state of Texas.
  • 1892 - The county seat was moved from Columbia to Angleton, where it remains today.
  • 1943 - Construction of the Dow Chemical Company plant began, making it a major employer and industry in the county.
  • 1961 - Brazosport College was established in Brazoria County.
  • 2019 - Brazoria County celebrates its rich history and continues to thrive as an important region in Texas.