First Public High School in Brenham
Brenham, Washington County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Established in Independent School District No. 1, in 1875. First free public high school in Texas to be set up under landmark school law of 1875. Nine grades were offered, with scientific or classical courses of study in high school. German was available for all grades. This building was erected in 1883, with 15-inch brick walls, cedar beams, and plaster mixed with cow hair. Windows and doors have marble arches and sills. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1969
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Established in 1875, Brenham's high school was the first free public high school in Texas set up under the state's landmark school law of that year. It offered nine grades with both scientific and classical courses, and German was taught at every level for the town's large German community. The surviving 1883 building was raised with fifteen-inch brick walls, cedar beams, plaster mixed with cow hair, and marble arches over its windows and doors.
Why it matters
As Texas's first free public high school under the 1875 school law, Brenham's school marks a foundational moment in the state's commitment to universal public education.
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