Historical Marker
Site of San Augustine University
San Augustine, San Augustine County · Texas
Erected 1936
The Handbook of Texas says trustees of the University of San Augustine received four leagues of land and sold one to buy a two-story building, which they leased for the first two years to J. M. Rankin, a Presbyterian who ran an academy there. The school had a grammar school for children under twelve, a female department and a college. Attendance peaked at 150 and fell to about 50 in 1845. It closed in 1847 without awarding a single degree; the Handbook cites sectarianism, a rival college, opposing newspapers and the shooting of its president.
What the plaque says
Site of San Augustine University Site of SAN AUGUSTINE UNIVERSITY Incorporated June 5, 1837 Granted for leagues of land for its support Opened September 5, 1842 Marcus A. Montrose, President, 1842-1845 James Russell, M. A. University of Edinburgh, President, 1845-1847 Bitter sectarianism wrought its downfall Merged with Wesleyan College into the University of Eastern Texas in 1847 Succeeded by the San Augustine Masonic Institute Erected by the State of Texas 1936
Where it stands
31.52776, -94.10515 · Directions
More markers nearby
- Home of Matthew Cartwright — steps away
- First United Methodist Church of San Augustine — steps away
- Home of Col. Stephen William Blount — steps away
- Site of Wesleyan College — 0.2 mi