Carroll School
Historical marker location:DOVE SCHOOL BEGAN NEARBY IN 1847 AS ONE OF THE EARLIEST SCHOOLS IN TARRANT COUNTY. WHITE’S CHAPEL, SAMS, AND EASTER (LATER UNION) SCHOOLS ALSO SERVED THE AREA IN THE LATE 1800s. IN 1917, TARRANT COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COMBINED THE SCHOOLS TO FORM COMMON SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 99, LATER NAMED FOR COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION B. E. CARROLL. STUDENTS CONTINUED TO ATTEND ONE-ROOM SCHOOLS ACROSS THE DISTRICT.
IN MAY 1919, RESIDENTS OF THE DISTRICT PETITIONED THE COMMISSIONERS COURT TO HOLD A PROPERTY TAX ELECTION FOR $7500 IN CONSTRUCTION BONDS FOR A CENTRALLY LOCATED SCHOOL. IN JUNE VOTERS CAST THEIR BALLOTS AT WHITE’S CHAPEL METHODIST CHURCH; THE VOTE WAS 29 FOR AND 25 AGAINST. E. E. HIGGINS, J. R. SHIVERS AND B. F. GRIFFIN, THE FIRST SCHOOL TRUSTEES, PAID $500 FOR A FIVE ACRE HILLTOP PARCEL, AND FRANK ESTILL BUILT A THREE-ROOM ONE-STORY BRICK SCHOOLHOUSE. THE SCHOOL OPENED WITH THREE TEACHERS TO INSTRUCT 97 STUDENTS IN NINE GRADES.
A WOOD-FRAMED CLASSROOM FOR LOWER GRADES AND A LUNCHROOM WERE BUILT BEHIND THE SCHOOL. A TEACHERAGE STOOD NEARBY. ABOUT 1950, THE SCHOOLHOUSE EXPANDED WITH THREE ADDITIONAL ROOMS. IN 1956, CARROLL SCHOOL BECAME THE BIRTHPLACE OF SOUTHLAKE AS THE POLLING PLACE WHERE RESIDENTS VOTED TO INCORPORATE. FOR SEVERAL YEARS, THE SCHOOL ALSO SERVED AS TOWN HALL. IN 1959, VOTERS CREATED CARROLL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT. CARROLL SCHOOL REMAINED AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL UNTIL 1970 BEFORE BECOMING CLASSROOMS AND OFFICE SPACE UNTIL CLOSING IN 2001. CARROLL SCHOOL, THE FIRST PUBLIC BUILDING IN THIS ONCE-RURAL SETTLEMENT, EMBODIES THE TRADITIONS AND HUMBLE BEGINNINGS OF A GROWING PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT AND CITY
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.
The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
Tarrant County was established in 1849 and named after Edward H. Tarrant, a military leader during the Texas Revolution. The county experienced significant growth and development throughout the 19th century, fueled by factors such as the expansion of railroads, cattle ranching, and the discovery of oil.
During the 20th century, Tarrant County continued to flourish and adapt to changing times. It became an important hub for transportation, commerce, and industry. The county's largest city, Fort Worth, emerged as a major center for cattle trading and eventually diversified into a vibrant economic and cultural hub.
Today, Tarrant County is one of the most populous counties in Texas, encompassing Fort Worth and several other cities and communities. It boasts a diverse economy, encompassing sectors such as aerospace, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Tarrant County is also home to renowned educational institutions, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities, making it a dynamic and thriving region within the state.
Tarrant County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Tarrant County, Texas.
Pre-19th Century: The area was inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Wichita and Comanche, before European settlement.
1849: Tarrant County was officially established and named after Edward H. Tarrant, a military leader in the Republic of Texas.
1850s: Fort Worth, the county seat, began as a military outpost on the Trinity River, providing protection for settlers and serving as a stop on the Chisholm Trail cattle drive route.
Late 19th Century: The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s spurred economic growth in Fort Worth and the county. The city became a center for the cattle industry, agriculture, and trade.
20th Century: Tarrant County experienced significant urbanization and diversification. Fort Worth became a major hub for the oil and gas industry, aviation, and defense with the establishment of military bases.
Civil Rights Era: Tarrant County, like many regions in the United States, faced challenges and changes during the civil rights movement, with efforts to achieve racial equality and social progress.
Modern Times: Tarrant County continues to thrive as a major economic and cultural center in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and industries such as healthcare, finance, technology, and education.