George Washington Carver High School (Baytown, Texas)
History
In 1921, Goose Creek School for Coloreds opened as a grade school and classes were held at Mt. Rose Baptist Church. It was the first public school in the area that allowed Black American children to attend; students came from Baytown, La Porte, Cedar Bayou, and McNair.
In 1924, the school was moved to a new building at the northwest corner of Carver Street and Oak Street. In 1927, an addition was made to the building and the curriculum was expanded to include the 9th grade.
In 1941, it became a fully accredited high school and was renamed in honor of George Washington Carver, a Black American scientist and inventor.
In 1948, the school was moved to a larger building at the corner of Carver Street and Lee Drive, and the old building became an elementary school.
George Washington Carver High School closed after the 1967 school year and Black students were transferred to Robert E. Lee High School and Ross Sterling High School.
The building continued to be used to house Carver Elementary until 1995, when an abandoned oil pit was discovered on the property. The building was demolished in 2002 due to safety concerns.
The athletic teams, known as the panthers, won 8 state sports championships. The band won nine state championships.
In 2011, an historical marker was installed at the former site of George Washington Carver High School. The historical marker unveiling and dedication ceremony was held at the nearby Robert E. Lee High School Auditorium.
Notable people
- Tony Russell "Charles" Brown, blues singer and pianist
- Joe Tex, Rhythm and blues singer
- Gene Washington, football player
See also
References
- ^ "Details - George Washington Carver High School - Atlas Number 5507016480 - Atlas: Texas Historical Commission". Texas Historical Sites Atlas. Texas Historical Commission.
The first public school for African American children of this area was Goose Creek School for Coloreds. Founded in 1921 as a grade school, it served the children of the Baytown area, as well as those in La Porte, Cedar Bayou, and McNair.
- ^ "George Washington Carver High School - Baytown, TX - Civil Rights Memorials".
- ^ "Carver High School historical marker unveiling ceremony slated for Saturday" (PDF). Goose Creek Consolidated ISD. April 27, 2011.
The Texas Historical Commission has recognized Goose Creek CISD's George Washington Carver High School as a significant part of Texas history by awarding it a Texas Historical Marker....The event will take place on Saturday, April 30 at 1:30 p.m. in the Robert E. Lee High School Auditorium located at 1809 Market Street in Baytown
- ^ "George Washington Carver High School". Retrieved November 23, 2018.
- ^ "Former local High School was named after Dr. George Washington Carver". July 22, 2018. Retrieved November 23, 2018.
- ^ Singleton, J Warren (July 12, 2017). "Remembering Carver: Where did the legendary coaches, director end up?". Retrieved November 23, 2018.
- ^ "BROWN, TONY RUSSELL [CHARLES]". Retrieved January 30, 2019.
- ^ "Tex, Joe (1935-1982)". October 27, 2018. Retrieved November 23, 2018.
- ^ Hurd, Michael (October 11, 2017). Thursday Night Lights: The Story of Black High School Football in Texas. University of Texas Press. ISBN 9781477310342. Retrieved November 23, 2018.