Historical Marker

Presbyterian Pan American School

Historical marker location:
223 N. FM 772, Kingsville, Texas
( FM 772, 3/8 mile west of Business 77)
Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42"

MEXICAN-AMERICAN PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGATIONS BEGAN TO APPEAR IN TEXAS IN THE LAST DECADE OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. WITH THE POPULATION INCREASE IN TEXAS FOLLOWING THE MEXICAN REVOLUTION, THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BEGAN TO ASSESS THE NEED FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMMIGRANTS. IN 1910, THE TEXAS-MEXICAN PRESBYTERY AND THE WESTERN PRESBYTERY PRESENTED A PLAN TO ESTABLISH A MEXICAN INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL FOR BOYS. THE PLAN WAS APPROVED AND IN 1911, HENRIETTA KING OFFERED TO DONATE 640 ACRES FOR A SCHOOL. THE FOLLOWING YEAR, CLASSES OPENED AT THE TEXAS-MEXICAN INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTION WITH 49 STUDENTS INCLUDING SIX GIRLS. THEIR MISSION WAS TO PROMOTE SPIRITUAL GROWTH BUT ALSO TO TRAIN THEIR MINDS AND HANDS FOR LEADERSHIP IN THE COMMUNITY WITH ACADEMIC AND TRADE SKILLS. WITH THE SUCCESS OF THE SCHOOL CAME INTEREST TO ESTABLISH A SCHOOL FOR MEXICAN-AMERICAN GIRLS. AFTER FUNDING WAS SECURED, THE SCHOOL, AFFECTIONATELY KNOWN AS PRES.-MEX., OPENED IN OCTOBER 1924 IN TAFT, TEXAS WITH A CURRICULUM SIMILAR TO THE BOYS’ SCHOOL.

IN 1955, ACTION WAS TAKEN TO MERGE THE TWO SCHOOLS TO ESTABLISH THE PRESBYTERIAN PAN AMERICAN SCHOOL. BY THE FALL OF 1957, THE FIRST PHASE OF A NEW CAMPUS DESIGNED BY FAMED ARCHITECT O’NEIL FORD WAS COMPLETED. FROM THE LATE 1950s TO THE MID-1960s, THE SCHOOL SAW INCREASED GROWTH IN NUMBERS AND GEOGRAPHY WITH OVER 400 STUDENTS FROM A VARIETY OF U.S. STATES AS WELL AS GUATEMALA, MEXICO, CONGO, CUBA AND COLOMBIA. OVER THE YEARS, AMONG SUCCESS AND HARDSHIPS, THE PRESBYTERIAN PAN AMERICAN SCHOOL DEVELOPED FROM A SMALL FACILITY TO AN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT WITH STUDENTS FROM THE UNITED STATES, LATIN AMERICA, ASIA AND AFRICA

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.
Texas is known for its barbecue, and one of the most famous barbecue restaurants in the state is Kreuz Market in Lockhart. The restaurant has been in operation since 1900 and is still family-owned.
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Kleberg County, located in southern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that traces back to its settlement by Native American tribes. The area was primarily inhabited by the Karankawa tribe, known for their hunting and fishing skills. European influence began in the 18th century when Spanish explorers arrived in the area.

The county's namesake, Robert Justus Kleberg, played a significant role in its development. Kleberg, a German immigrant, moved to Texas in the 1830s and became involved in politics and land acquisition. In the late 19th century, he purchased a large tract of land in the area, which eventually became the basis for the founding of Kleberg County.

The county witnessed significant growth and development in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, due in part to the arrival of the railroad. The St. Louis, Brownsville, and Mexico Railway played a crucial role in connecting Kleberg County to the rest of Texas and facilitating economic growth through the transportation of goods and people.

Another major contributor to the county's history is the King Ranch, one of the largest ranches in the United States. Established in the 1850s by Richard King and Captain Mifflin Kenedy, the King Ranch played a vital role in Kleberg County's economy and development. Today, it remains an integral part of the county and a symbol of its rich ranching heritage.

In recent years, Kleberg County has seen further growth, particularly in the field of oil and gas production. The county's natural resources have led to the establishment of various industries, providing employment opportunities and contributing to its overall economic prosperity. With a blend of historical significance and modern growth, Kleberg County continues to evolve and thrive while honoring its past.

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

  • 1854 - Kleberg County was established from territory previously part of Nueces County.
  • 1858 - Captain Richard King and Gideon K. Lewis established the King and Lewis Ranch along the Santa Gertrudis Creek.
  • 1875 - King acquired the entirety of Lewis' interest in the ranch.
  • 1903 - A post office named Kleberg was established.
  • 1913 - Kleberg County was officially organized, and the town of Kleberg became the county seat.
  • 1918 - The county seat was moved to the newly formed town of Kingsville.
  • 1925 - The Texas Legislature formed the Kleberg County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 to oversee irrigation and drainage in the area.
  • 1933 - The Naval Air Station Kingsville was established.
  • 1940 - Kenedy County was formed from parts of Kleberg County.
  • 1954 - Hurricane Alice struck Kleberg County, causing significant damage.
  • 1980s - The King Ranch remained a significant economic and cultural influence in the county.