​Jacksonville Independent
​School District

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Marker No: 12915

Aluminum 18 x 28 Subject Marker

Geographic: 31.963476,-95.267868

Location: ​East Commerce at Austin Street, at entrance to Tomato Bowl, Jacksonville

Marker Text: ​Jacksonville Independent School District Jacksonville's early settlers valued education and had a school as early as 1846 at the original townsite. The Texas Legislature authorized creation of county school districts in 1854, and by the 1860s, Old Jacksonville supported at least two schools. In 1872, residents moved closer to the railroad, and by 1873, they established their first public school. More schools opened, including, at this site, the town's first free public school. Between 1905 and 1907, the city formed its own district with campuses for both white and black students. The schools integrated in the late 1960s. The district's notable graduates include Olympic and professional athletes, Grammy winners, Tony award nominees and many other successes. (2003)