Original Sam Houston School
Harlingen, Cameron County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The Harlingen School District opened a new public school at this site in April 1912 in one of the city's first permanent school buildings. Originally known as the main school, it served Elementary through High school grade students. Graduating classes of the early years usually were made up of ten or fewer students. As school enrollment grew, additional facilities were built in other parts of Harlingen. A new Sam Houston School Building was constructed at 301 E. Taft in 1960. Over the years, the school has produced some outstanding graduates.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
When the Harlingen School District opened this school in April 1912, it was among the young city's first permanent school buildings, teaching every grade from elementary through high school under one roof. Early graduating classes often numbered ten students or fewer. As the town grew the district spread into new buildings, and a new Sam Houston School was built on Taft Avenue in 1960.
Why it matters
The little main school captures how fast-growing Rio Grande Valley towns invested early in public education as the foundation of permanent community life.
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Themes & tags
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