Francis School
Silverton, Briscoe County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Francis School (Common School District No. 3) organized in 1898 for citizens of southwest Briscoe County. The school was named for J.L. Francis, who offered his land and took on much of the building expenses. Around 1915, the school was moved to a more central portion of the community on land owned by Champ Blackwell. Over the years, the improvements included additional classroom space and a teacherage. As a thriving community center, the school brought several programs and fun events to the surrounding area. In 1934, Francis School was one of ten rural schools in the county, with two teachers serving an average daily attendance of 32 students in eight grades. (2018)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Francis School was organized in 1898 to serve the families of southwest Briscoe County, taking its name from J.L. Francis, who donated the land and shouldered much of the building cost. Around 1915 it moved to a more central spot and grew to include added classrooms and a teacherage, becoming a lively community gathering place. By 1934 two teachers taught an average of 32 students across eight grades in one of the county's ten rural schools.
Why it matters
The one-room country school captures the vital role rural schools played as the educational and social heart of Texas farming communities.
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Related people
- · J.L. Francis
Themes & tags
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