Marker Inscription
Bell County school districts were formed in 1854. The earliest record of public education for area African American students dates from 1882 when Mrs. Aleck McGee was hired "to teach the colored school." Professor Thomas Breckenridge Harris (1862-1907), a graduate of Fisk University, became the first instructor of the African American High School in 1890. The name "West Belton School" was chosen in 1900. In 1936 a new building was erected on this site to house African American students of all grade levels. By petition the school was named "T. W. Harris" for its revered former principal. The last class graduated in 1966; Belton schools were integrated the following year. (1998)
About this site
African American Education in Belton is a historical marker in Belton, Bell County, dedicated in 1998. It is one of 226 historical markers documented in Bell County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 411 historic sites cataloged across the county.
The site sits at 31.0610, -97.4669 near Belton. The nearest cataloged historic site is Mount Zion United Methodist Church (historic place), about 0.1 miles away. Others within a short drive include McWhirter, George and Martha, House, Belton Woman's Commonwealth, and Ware, H. A. and Helena, House.
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5027011720. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
