Historical Marker

Lockhart Vocational High School (Carver HS)

Historical marker location:
1104 E. Market St., Lockhart, Texas
( 1104 E. Market Street)
Marker installed: 2008
Marker size: 27" x 42"

According to local tradition, materials salvaged from Ross Institute, a former school for Lockhart's caucasian children, were used in 1923 to build this school for African American students. The Rosenwald Foundation of Chicago, which funded many African American schools in the south in the early 20th century, provided the design and part of the construction cost. The school district and local African American citizens raised the majority of the funds for its completion. Previously, African American children attended classes scattered throughout town. Elementary-aged students learned at Sunset School, Mt. Salem Methodist Episcopal Church or the Masonic Lodge; high school students used a building on Live Oak Street that was also a funeral parlor and domino hall.

The two-story brick and stucco schoolhouse contained six classrooms, a Principal's office and a large auditorium that also served as a social center for the neighborhood. Prominent brick and stucco pilasters on the unadorned main façade rise above the parapet. The east and west sides of the building have large banks of windows to maximize natural light. The lower level has a centrally located portico with double doors that divide the principal façade.

R.A. Atkinson was the first pricipal of the school, which received state accreditation in 1926. At the time two years of high school coursework were offered here, and students could attend the twelfth grade in Luling. In 1946, the facility changed its name to G.W. Carver High School. It closed in 1964 due to school integration, but the building was later used by the Head Start program. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark-2008

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

educational buildings education African American
You may all go to hell and I will go to Texas.
Davy Crockett in Letter to William Strickland
Caldwell County, located in central Texas, has a rich and storied history dating back thousands of years. The area was first inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa and Lipan Apache. In the 18th century, Spanish settlers began exploring and settling the region, establishing missions and ranches.

In 1834, Mexican impresario, Green DeWitt, received a land grant from the Mexican government and began attracting American settlers to the area. The town of Lockhart, named after James W. Lockhart, one of DeWitt's surveyors, was established in 1838 and became the county seat in 1848. The county was officially organized the following year.

During the Civil War, Caldwell County, like much of Texas, was divided in its loyalties. Many residents sided with the Confederacy and fought in the war, while others were Union sympathizers. The conflict left deep scars on the county, but it managed to recover and thrive in the post-war years.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Caldwell County's economy was primarily agricultural, with cotton being a major crop. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s boosted economic growth and allowed for easier transportation of goods. Over time, the county diversified its economy, with industries such as oil and gas, cattle ranching, and manufacturing becoming prominent.

Today, Caldwell County is known for its historic charm, scenic beauty, and a strong sense of community. It is home to several notable landmarks, including the Caldwell County Courthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The county continues to evolve and adapt, while also preserving its rich history and heritage.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Caldwell County, Texas.

  • 1848 - The Republic of Texas holds a land lottery and grants land in the area to settlers.
  • 1849 - Caldwell County is officially established.
  • 1852 - The county seat is named Lockhart.
  • 1876 - The first courthouse in Lockhart is built.
  • 1887 - The discovery of oil in the county brings prosperity.
  • 1922 - The current Caldwell County Courthouse is constructed.
  • 1948 - The Chisholm Trail Museum is established in Lockhart.
  • 1984 - The Circuit of the Americas racetrack is built in the county.