Historic Site and Historical Park · NPS · TX
Blackwell School National Historic Site
Photo: NPS Photo / David Larson, Blackwell School East Exterior
Alerts and conditions
Overview
Written by prejudice rather than law, the story of the Blackwell School is one of “separate but equal” education for Mexican and Mexican American citizens of Marfa, Texas. Built in 1909, the school serves as a significant example of how racism and cultural disparity dominated education and social systems in the United States during this period of de facto segregation from 1889-1965.
From the National Park Service
History
The designation history for this site (every law, proclamation and order, and the administration behind each) is being researched and checked by the Library’s historians.
What to see and do
Plan your visit
Hours
All Park: The unit is designated but not yet established and has very limited services. Open every Saturday and Sunday 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Getting there
The Blackwell School is located in west Texas in the community of Marfa at the junction of US 90 and US 67 highways.
Weather
Marfa experiences long and hot summers from May – September. The winters are cold and windy with occasional light snow due to its elevation from November – February. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and light rainfall.
Whose lands these are
These lands are the ancestral and present-day homelands of Native nations. A section on whose lands these are is being prepared with tribal review. In the meantime, Native Land Digital offers a starting point.
Pair it with
- Fort Davis National Historic Site NPS · 22 miles
- Big Bend National Park NPS · 84 miles
- Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River NPS · 106 miles
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park NPS · 123 miles
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park NPS · 130 miles