​Education in Round Rock

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Marker No: 9095

Aluminum 27 x 42 Subject Marker

Geographic: 30.509823,-97.697075

Location: 1311 Round Rock Avenue (FM 620), Round Rock

Marker Text: Soon after Williamson County was founded in 1848. Pioneer settler Jacob M. Harrell, a blacksmith, built a log schoolhouse for use by his neighbors. Believed to be the first school in the county, it was located at Moss' Springs on Lake Creek (2 mi. SW). Later, another log cabin school was opened north of brushy creek by Samuel L. Makemson and Dr. D.F. Knight.
      As the area developed, efforts were made to provide a complete community educational program. Early college training was offered by the Greenwood Masonic Institute, which was established in 1867. The school was later operated by local Presbyterian churches and by the city as Round Rock Institute. The first publicly supported school for Round Rock students opened in 1878. A second college, Trinity Lutheran, was in operation from 1904 to 1929.
      In 1913 residents of the area voted to incorporate Williamson County Common School district No. 19 as the Round Rock Independent School district. M.G. York, an area school administrator, was chosen as the first superintendent of the new school system.
       Under the direction of such superintendents as O.F. Perry, 1939-57, and Noel Grisham, 1957-79, the district has been noted for rapid growth and quality education. (1981)