Centennial School

In 1936, the Valera, Bowen, White Chapel and New Central communities established a common high school. The new centralized campus – the second rural high school in Coleman County – was named to commemorate Texas’ Centennial of Independence celebrated that year. After the original frame school burned in 1940, federal grants from the Works Progress Administration helped build a new schoolhouse, gymnasium and teacherage. Consolidation created the Talpa-Centennial district in 1958 and then Panther Creek in 1986, with this campus serving as an elementary school. After a new Panther Creek school opened near Voss in 1988, this site became a cooperative alternative school and later a recreation lodge. (2008)

Centennial School is a historical marker in Valera, Coleman County, dedicated in 2008. It is one of 31 historical markers documented in Coleman County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 50 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 31.8024, -99.5436 near Valera. The nearest cataloged historic site is Old Valera (cemetery), about 2.9 miles away. Others within a short drive include Cleveland-Anson House, Pauley, Richard A., and Valera Cemetery.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5507015264. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.