Historical Marker

Allen Academy

Historical marker location:
3201 FM 158, Bryan, Texas
( At the corner of 22nd St. and Ursuline Ave., Bryan)
Marker installed: 1978
Marker size: 27" x 42"

This school originated as Madison Academy, founded in 1886 in Madisonville by John Hodges Allen (1854-1920), an educator from Mississippi. When his brother Rivers O. Allen (1865-1925) joined him in 1896, the institution became Allen Academy, a private boarding school for boys. During the summer of 1899, the Allens moved the school to Bryan.

In the early years of the 20th Century, enrollment steadily increased. The campus was enlarged and new buildings erected to accommodate the students. During World War I, military training was introduced. In 1925 John Allen's son Nat Burtis Allen (1892-1946) became director of the school. During his tenure, the academy continued to grow and gained national recognition. When he died in 1946, the campus contained over 300 acres, including a farm and dairy. His son Nat Burtis Allen, Jr. (1919-1973) guided the institution until 1973 and led in establishing broader curriculum.

Allen Academy is the oldest accredited, non-sectarian preparatory school for boys operating in Texas. Its graduates include leaders in government and business. Today the institution is coeducational and offers a broad range of scholastic programs for boarding and day students. (1997)

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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Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program. It was here that NASA trained its astronauts and mission control teams, and it continues to be an important center for space research and exploration today.
Texas random facts
Brazos County, located in eastern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to its establishment in 1841. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Tonkawa peoples. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1820s, attracted by the fertile soil and abundant natural resources of the region.

The county was officially created in 1841 and named after the Brazos River that flows through the area. During the mid-19th century, Brazos County experienced significant economic growth due to the expansion of cotton farming. The construction of railroads in the late 1800s further spurred development, leading to the establishment of new towns such as Bryan, which later became the county seat.

Brazos County played an important role in the Civil War, with many of its residents supporting the Confederacy. Throughout the war, Union troops occasionally invaded the county, leading to skirmishes between soldiers and local militias. The end of the war brought an era of reconstruction and the county, like many others in the South, faced significant economic challenges as it struggled to rebuild.

In the 20th century, Brazos County experienced steady growth and development. The presence of Texas A&M University, which was established in 1876, has had a major impact on the county's economy and cultural landscape. Today, Brazos County is a vibrant community known for its educational institutions, agriculture, and rich history.

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

  • 1821 - Mexico gains independence from Spain, including the area that would become Brazos County.
  • 1837 - Brazos County is officially founded and named after the Brazos River.
  • 1854 - Texas A&M University is established in Brazos County.
  • 1861 - The Civil War begins, affecting Brazos County and leading to economic challenges.
  • 1882 - The first railroad reaches Bryan, the county seat of Brazos County, enhancing transportation and trade.
  • 1900 - The town of Marystown, later renamed College Station, is established near Texas A&M University.
  • 1930 - The area experiences significant population growth due to the expansion of Texas A&M University.
  • 1943 - During World War II, the Bryan Air Base is established in Brazos County, contributing to the local economy.
  • 1970 - George Bush, future President of the United States, moves to College Station and becomes involved in local politics.
  • 1999 - The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum is opened at Texas A&M University.