Marker Inscription
The Republic of Texas set a cultural example by legislation for a state library in 1839. In 1874 cities were authorized to establish public libraries, but most were privately financed. A library near here about 1890 was gift of Miss Anna Gould, a daughter of railroad magnate Jay Gould, when she was visiting the stone quarry 4.5 miles east. She established the library the first in Ward County, which was not organized until 1892 for families near the quarry. Most Texas counties now have free public libraries, since a 1919 law granted this privilege.
About this site
Early Public Library, Vicinity of is a historical marker in Barstow, Ward County, dedicated in 1967. It is one of 11 historical markers documented in Ward County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 17 historic sites cataloged across the county.
The site sits at 31.4626, -103.3946 near Barstow. The nearest cataloged historic site is Ward County Bank, Old (historical marker), about 0.2 miles away. Others within a short drive include Barstow, unnamed cairns, and Rattlesnake Bomber Base.
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5475005645. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
