Burton High School
Burton, Washington County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Burton Public Schools opened in 1874, and by 1926 nine grades were offered. In 1938, construction on Burton’s first high school began. Funded through the federal Works Progress Administration (WPA), the building was completed in 1940. Designed by architect Travis Broesche and built by local contractor will Weeren, the school exhibits international and rustic architectural style. Features include abutting two-story rectangular blocks, a curved wall near the entrance, and a native field stone veneer.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Burton's public schools opened in 1874, and by 1938 the town began work on its first dedicated high school. Funded by the federal Works Progress Administration and completed in 1940, the building—designed by architect Travis Broesche and built by local contractor Will Weeren—showcases a rustic International style with two-story blocks, a curved entrance wall, and native fieldstone veneer.
Why it matters
A product of Depression-era WPA relief work, Burton High School shows how New Deal public investment brought lasting civic buildings—and jobs—to small rural American towns.
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Related people
- · Travis Broesche
- · Will Weeren
Related events
- · Works Progress Administration construction
Themes & tags
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