South Park High School
Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Built by the South Park Independent School District in 1922-1923, this structure also housed classes of South Park Junior College for ten years. Renamed Lamar Junior College in 1932 and Lamar University in 1971, the college institution moved to its own campus in 1942. South Park High School remained at this location until 1986, when it was merged with West Brook High School and this facility became a junior high school. South Park High School represents both the past and future of education in Beaumont.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Built in 1922–1923 by the South Park Independent School District, this Beaumont building served as a high school and, for a decade, housed South Park Junior College. That college was renamed Lamar Junior College in 1932, moved to its own campus in 1942, and eventually became Lamar University in 1971. South Park High School remained here until 1986, when it merged with West Brook High School and the building became a junior high.
Why it matters
The building traces the growth of public education in Beaumont from a single campus into both a lasting high school and a major state university.
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Related events
- · Founding of Lamar University
Themes & tags
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