Victoria Colored School facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Victoria Colored School
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Victoria Colored School in 2015
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 Victoria Colored School
Location in Texas
Victoria Colored School
Location in the United States
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| Location | 702 E. Convent, Victoria, Texas |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1901 |
| Built by | Bailey Mills |
| Architect | Jules Leffland |
| MPS | Victoria MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 86002582 |
| Added to NRHP | December 9, 1986 |
The Victoria Colored School in Victoria County, Texas, was built in 1901. It was officially named F. W. Gross High School on January 2, 1936. This school was created for African American students. At that time, schools were often separated by race.
The Victoria Independent School District chose a design by architect Jules Leffland. This was the district's second high school. It was located at 702 E. Convent Street in Victoria. This area, called Diamond Hill, was settled by freedmen. These were formerly enslaved people who became free after the Civil War. Next door was the Freedmen's School, built in 1868. This older building became a place for teachers to live.
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Why Was the School Built?
For a long time, slavery was illegal in Texas under Mexican rule. But in 1836, when the Republic of Texas was formed, slavery became legal. This made growing cotton very profitable in the Victoria area. Farmers from the southeastern United States moved to Victoria. They brought enslaved people with them to work in the cotton fields.
Victoria played a part in the Confederacy during the Civil War. Union troops blocked Confederate ports. So, the Confederacy created a supply route called the Cotton Road. Cotton was sent overland through Texas to Matamoros, Mexico. There, it was traded for supplies.
Before the Civil War, enslaved people made up more than half of Victoria County's population. Many people from the Southern United States moved there. They outnumbered German immigrants who were against slavery. Because of this, Victoria County voted for Texas to leave the United States.
The Civil War ended the cotton market. After the war, many formerly enslaved people became sharecroppers. Others moved into cities like Victoria. They started new communities and built social support systems. Leaders in the area wanted to create schools for African Americans. They hoped these schools would teach job skills needed by local businesses. Students in grades one to seven went to school for free. However, students in grades eight through ten had to pay a fee until 1906.
Who Was the First Principal?
The first principal of the Victoria Colored School was Frederick W. Gross. He was from Marshall, Texas, and had degrees from several universities. Principal Gross encouraged students to read and write. He also pushed for high academic achievement. Under his leadership for the first six years, the school became well-known among black colleges. In 1907, C.H. McGruder took over as principal. By 1920, the school's Industrial Arts Department was very popular. It had so many students that the school was getting too crowded.
Did the School Get Approved?
Even with its successes, the school faced challenges. In 1932, it applied to be an approved preparatory school for the state college. But its application was turned down. It was later found that the school lacked enough qualified teachers. It also needed more space and science equipment. Seven years later, after receiving money from the government, the school finally got its approval. The Victoria Colored School continued to serve only African American students until 1966.
What Is Its Historical Status Now?
The building at 702 E. Convent Street is no longer a school. On December 9, 1986, it was recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. In August 1986, it also became a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.
Images for kids
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Victoria Colored School in 2015
