The Taylor Public Schools
Taylor, Williamson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
From 1877 until 1880, several private schools served residents of the Taylor area. In 1880 a public institution, the Stock Company School, was built and maintained by a group of private citizens. A school for black children of the community opened the following year. In 1883 a bond election passed which provided revenue for maintaining public schools in Taylor. Augustus Hill, former head of the Bastrop Academy, became the first superintendent. He presided over a ten-grade system, which consisted of a three-room building for all primary, grammar, and high school classes, as well as the small Negro school. Because of increased enrollment, a three-story building was erected in 1890, and a greater variety of subjects was offered to the students. In later years surrounding school districts were annexed, greatly increasing the size of the Taylor public schools. in 1950 the schools were removed from municipal control with the creation of the Taylor Independent School District. For a century the Taylor schools have been a source of pride for the community, while citizens have been faithful supporters of public education. Graduates of the Taylor schools include numerous business, professional and civic leaders.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Taylor's schooling grew from private academies in the late 1870s to the citizen-built Stock Company School in 1880, and a school for the town's Black children opened the very next year. An 1883 bond election funded a true public system under superintendent Augustus Hill, and after decades of growth and annexations, the Taylor Independent School District took control in 1950.
Why it matters
The marker records both a community's century-long investment in public education and the segregated "Negro school" that reflected the racial divisions written into Southern schooling.
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Related people
- · Augustus Hill
Themes & tags
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