Historical Marker

Blackwell School

Historical marker location:
501 South Abbot St., Marfa, Texas
( Marfa, 501 S. Abbot St.)
Marker installed: 2010
Marker size: 18" x 28"

EDUCATION FOR LOCAL CHILDREN OF MEXICAN DESCENT DATES FROM 1889, WHEN THE FORMER METHODIST CHURCH BECAME A SCHOOLHOUSE. THE SCHOOL, NAMED FOR LONGTIME PRINCIPAL JESSE BLACKWELL, SERVED HUNDREDS OF HISPANIC CHILDREN UP TO NINTH GRADE. STUDENTS WERE TOLD TO SPEAK ONLY ENGLISH ON CAMPUS; SPANISH WORDS WRITTEN ON SLIPS OF PAPER WERE BURIED ON THE GROUNDS IN A MOCK FUNERAL CEREMONY. THE SCHOOL CLOSED IN 1965 WITH INTEGRATION OF MARFA SCHOOLS. THE BUILDING SAT VACANT UNTIL PRESERVATION EFFORTS BY THE BLACKWELL SCHOOL ALLIANCE, FORMED IN 2006. THE ONE-STORY SCHOOLHOUSE HAS A MODIFIED HIP ROOF, FRONT-GABLED ENTRY, AND PLASTERED 24-INCH THICK ADOBE WALLS ON A STONE FOUNDATION

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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The University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, is one of the largest universities in the United States and has produced many notable alumni, including several U.S. presidents.
Texas random facts
Presidio County is located in southwestern Texas and has a rich and varied history. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Apache and Comanche. In the 17th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the region and established the first European settlements. These settlements served as military outposts, or presidios, hence the name "Presidio County."

During the 19th century, Presidio County played a significant role in the Texas Revolution and the Mexican-American War. Fort Leaton, a well-preserved adobe fort, served as an important staging point for both conflicts. In 1848, the Amistad Expedition, a slave rebellion, took place in the county. This event resulted in international controversy and contributed to shifting attitudes towards slavery in Texas.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Presidio County experienced growth and development due to several factors. The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1882 spurred economic activity and brought more settlers to the area. Agriculture, particularly ranching and farming, became the primary industries. The county's proximity to the Rio Grande also made it an important trade hub.

However, Presidio County faced challenges and hardships as well. The Mexican Revolution, which began in 1910, had a significant impact on the region due to its borderland location. Smuggling, violence, and instability became prevalent, affecting the county's economy and population. Today, Presidio County reflects its diverse history, with cultural influences from Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and American settlers shaping its identity.

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

  • 1850 - Presidio County established as one of the original 36 counties of Texas
  • 1854 - Fort Defiance established near Presidio to protect against Native American raids
  • 1875 - Presidio County seat moved from Fort Davis to Marfa
  • 1882 - Marfa and Presidio connected by the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway
  • 1884 - The Chinati Mountains declared a federal game reserve, later becoming Chinati Mountains State Natural Area
  • 1933 - Marfa becomes a major cattle-shipping center with the construction of the Presidio County Courthouse
  • 1998 - Marfa becomes known as an arts destination, after the artist Donald Judd establishes the Chinati Foundation