Francis School

Francis School opened as farming was taking over Briscoe County. Between 1900 and 1930 the ranches gave way to farms, and the number of farms grew from 170 in 1900 to 307 in 1910, 397 in 1920 and 679 in 1930. The population followed, from 2,162 in 1910 to 2,948 in 1920 and 5,590 in 1930. Immigrant farmers tried various crops before World War I, and wheat, sorghum and cotton proved the most promising. Cotton, grown experimentally at first, covered only eight acres in 1900 but more than 36,000 by 1929.

What the plaque says

Francis School Francis School (Common School District No. 3) organized in 1898 for citizens of southwest Briscoe County. The school was named for J.L. Francis, who offered his land and took on much of the building expenses. Around 1915, the school was moved to a more central portion of the community on land owned by Champ Blackwell. Over the years, the improvements included additional classroom space and a teacherage. As a thriving community center, the school brought several programs and fun events to the surrounding area. In 1934, Francis School was one of ten rural schools in the county, with two teachers serving an average daily attendance of 32 students in eight grades. (2018)

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway — 22 mi
  Red canyons below the Caprock escarpment where the Texas State Bison Herd, descended from calves Mary Ann Goodnight saved in 1878, has right of way on the park roads.

More markers nearby

• Site of Celtic Post Office — 2.7 mi
• Site of Holt School — 4.9 mi
• Site of Reeves Post Office — 7.4 mi
• Two Miles North of Here — 8.4 mi