Site of Polytechnic Institute
Midlothian, Ellis County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Founded in 1883 by W.W. Works (1856-1895), Polytechnic Institute was a private, coeducational school. A respected educator and native of this area, Works left here in 1888 to attend the University of Texas. When he returned in 1892, local stockholders erected a two-story school building at this site. After Works died, the facility became Whitten Institute, with the Rev. Thomas G. Whitten as president. It was also operated as Midlothian College. In 1907-08, the building was dismantled, and the property was acquired by former stockholder J.C. Kimmel. In 1915, his widow gave it to the city for use as a park.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Founded in 1883 by local educator W. W. Works, Polytechnic Institute was a private, coeducational school built by area stockholders who raised a two-story building at this site. After Works died young in 1895 the school carried on as Whitten Institute and Midlothian College, until the building was dismantled in 1907–08 and the grounds eventually given to the city as a park.
Why it matters
Small subscription-funded academies like this were how rural nineteenth-century communities secured higher schooling for their children before public education fully reached them.
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Related people
- · W. W. Works
- · Rev. Thomas G. Whitten
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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