Marker Inscription
Athens' first public school for African Americans was established in 1876-77. Athens Colored School held classes in a Baptist church and later in a 2-room schoolhouse erected at this site. Richard C. Fisher, who joined the school's faculty in 1914 and who later became principal, renamed the school Blackshear to honor a former professor at Prairie View College. The school was accredited in 1924. A new school, built here in 1932, was renamed for Professor R. C. Fisher upon his death in 1934. Fisher High School closed in 1966 with the integration of schools in Athens.
About this site
Blackshear/Fisher School, Site of is a historical marker in Athens, Henderson County, dedicated in 1994. It is one of 65 historical markers documented in Henderson County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 155 historic sites cataloged across the county.
The site sits at 32.2161, -95.8536 near Athens. The nearest cataloged historic site is Fisher, Richard Columbus (historical marker), about 0.1 miles away. Others within a short drive include Athens North Cemetery, Faulk-Gauntt Building, and Faulk and Gauntt Building.
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5213010344. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
