Site of Old Behrns West Texas Normal and Business College
Cherokee, San Saba County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Opened 1895 by noted educator Francis Marion Behrns. A 3-story native blue marble main hall and frame dormitory were built by interested local citizens. Courses included mathematics, natural sciences, Latin, oratory, commercial subjects, literature, psychology, music and painting. Character building was stressed. Its graduates led in teaching and other professions. After the Behrns School closed in 1903, buildings were used by Cherokee Junior College; after 1921 by public schools. In 1945 fire destroyed old main hall.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Educator Francis Marion Behrns opened this college in 1895, and local citizens built a three-story hall of native blue marble along with a frame dormitory. Students studied mathematics, natural sciences, Latin, oratory, music, and painting, with strong emphasis on character. After the school closed in 1903 the buildings served Cherokee Junior College and public schools until fire destroyed the main hall in 1945.
Why it matters
The college reflects the frontier faith in learning, where isolated Texas communities pooled their means to build ambitious schools that shaped a generation of teachers and professionals.
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Related people
- · Francis Marion Behrns
Themes & tags
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