Abilene's First School

This site was set aside for use as a school by Stoddard Johnston, a newspaperman who platted the town of Abilene in the early 1880s. While the first schoolhouse was under construction in the spring of 1881, classes were held in a tent pitched between Hickory and Cedar streets. As was typical in early frontier towns, the schoolhouse also served as a community center and was used for church worship services. By 1884, the student population had outgrown the schoolhouse, and a new structure was built elsewhere. This site is a reminder of Abilene's early education history. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986

Abilene's First School is a historical marker in Abilene, Taylor County, dedicated in 1986. It is one of 47 historical markers documented in Taylor County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 102 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 32.4536, -99.7358 near Abilene. The nearest cataloged historic site is Laughter Undertaking Company (historical marker), about 0.1 miles away. Others within a short drive include First Presbyterian Church, Paramount Theater, and Hotel Wooten.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5441004720. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.