First Pharr-San Juan-Alamo School
Pharr, Hidalgo County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The common school district of Pharr and San Juan began construction of this school in 1915. First used for the 1916-1917 school year, its enrollment was 143, with twelve teachers and a graduating class of nine. The name was changed in 1919 to Pharr-San Juan Independent School District. Although the town of Alamo was also founded that year and contributed students to the school, the Alamo name was not officially added until 1959. In 1961 this became Jefferson Junior High. It was named Memorial Junior High in 1979 in honor of all Pharr-San Juan-Alamo veterans. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
The joint school district of Pharr and San Juan began this building in 1915, opening it for the 1916–17 year with 143 students, twelve teachers, and a graduating class of nine. Renamed the Pharr-San Juan district in 1919, it later folded in the town of Alamo, whose name was formally added in 1959. The building became Jefferson Junior High in 1961 and, in 1979, Memorial Junior High in honor of all Pharr-San Juan-Alamo veterans.
Why it matters
The school traces the growth of one of the Rio Grande Valley's major districts, and its later renaming ties local education to the community's tradition of military service.
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Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
First Pharr School
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