Texas A&M University-Kingsville

As the state sought to expand its normal college system to train teachers, local Kingsville citizens, such as J.N. Bigbee, Maria Toner, Charles Flato, Claude Pollard, R.J Kleberg, and Caesar Kleberg, demonstrated the town’s suitability for just such a program. On July 14, 1917, the state normal school board of regents voted to establish a normal college in Kingsville. Due to U.S. entry into World War I, the college did not open until June 8, 1925. Robert Bartow cousins served as the college’s first president from 1924 to 1932, during which time the school chose the Javelina as its mascot and blue and gold as its colors. The president’s home and Manning Hall were the first buildings completed, designed in the mission revival style to reflect south Texas’ heritage and establish a cohesive vision for the overall campus. In 1929, the school became known as Texas College of Arts and Industries as it added technical training, most notably in agriculture, engineering, and industry. In 1951, Richard M. Kleberg, benefactor and representative of the King Ranch, donated 500 acres to build a new college farm, and the campus continued to grow. With a national championship team and Coach Gil Steinke, the school was the first in the lone star conference to integrate its football team, and the campus was also a center for activism in the Chicano movement. In 1967, the school changed its name to Texas A&I university and decades later joined the texas a&m system in 1989. Its name changed to Texas A&M University-Kingsville in 1993. Today, the school is known for its academic programs, especially in agriculture, engineering, education, and music, as well as its strong javelina spirit.

Texas A&M University-Kingsville is a historical marker in Kingsville, Kleberg County, dedicated in 2013. It is one of 29 historical markers documented in Kleberg County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 34 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 27.5229, -97.8795 near Kingsville. The nearest cataloged historic site is Kleberg, Robert J., Public Library (historical marker), about 0.5 miles away. Others within a short drive include King, Henrietta M. King, High School, First Baptist Church of Kingsville, and First Presbyterian Church of Kingsville.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5507017612. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.