George Washington Carver School

The neighborhood around this school was called Red Town, after the color the Trinity County Lumber Company painted its mill houses, says Susanne Waller's school history. From board minutes, she reports that in 1920 the company supplied lumber for a Black school building and the board agreed to pay rent of five percent of its cost until it could buy it. In 1952 the board built a gymnasium, 70 by 90 feet, partitioned into classrooms for all grades. The minutes first use the Carver name in 1958; a former student recalls 1956.

What the plaque says

George Washington Carver School In 1881, the town of Groveton was established near the Trinity and Sabine Railway and Timber Company. With the availability for work, the area attracted settlers seeking employment. With the rapid increase in population, the need for services such as schools became apparent. By 1886, the Groveton Colored Community School operated within the school district but was underfunded. Steady population growth increased the need for better educational facilities for the African American community. In 1900, the Trinity County Lumber Company sold land to the Groveton School Cooperation for a new school located in the African American neighborhood. A wood-frame building was erected and used until 1955. In 1952, the school board purchased adjacent acreage and built a gymnasium, occasionally used for classrooms. By 1956, the school was known as George Washington Carver School in honor of the prominent botanist and inventor. Several years after purchasing additional acreage in 1955, the contract to build the new G.W. Carver School was awarded. After integration in 1965, the Carver School was repurposed as the Groveton Junior High. Throughout the years, many outstanding African American men and women served as teachers and staff, dedicated to education, integrity and compassion. Most notably, Mr. T.L. Mathis who was principal from 1956 to 1965. Mr. Mathis worked tirelessly to improve and advocate for the school and its students. Activities were typically funded and/or organized by the community or students such as sporting events and the marching band, a testament to the community's dedication to education and civic duty. (2016)

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Groveton — 0.4 mi
• Trinity County Seats — 0.4 mi
• First Methodist Church of Groveton — 0.5 mi
• Site of the Town of Sumpter — 5.0 mi