Site of Red Oak Academy
Burleson, Johnson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
An early Texas college, founded near this site (at that time part of Brushy Mound), 1879; re-established as Alta Vista College, 1885. Transferred in 1893 to Presbyterian church, it was renamed Red Oak Academy and inspired name for this section: "Academy Hill". The school closed in 1899.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Founded in 1879 near what was then Brushy Mound, this early Texas college was re-established as Alta Vista College in 1885. In 1893 it passed to the Presbyterian church and was renamed Red Oak Academy, lending its name to the surrounding neighborhood of "Academy Hill." The school closed its doors in 1899.
Why it matters
Small church-affiliated academies like this one carried the burden of higher learning across rural Texas before the spread of public colleges.
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Themes & tags
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