Blackwell School National Historic Site
National Historic Site · Texas
NPS Photo / David Larson
United States historic place
The Blackwell School was a segregrated school in Marfa, Texas, that served the city's Hispanic population from its construction in 1909 until the end of school segregation in 1965. On October 17, 2022, President Joe Biden signed legislation authorizing Blackwell School National Historic Site as a unit of the National Park Service; it was established on July 17, 2024, after the NPS acquired the property from the Marfa Independent School District. The site memorializes the history of supposedly "separate but equal" practices in Texas and elsewhere, as well as the role of education in Mexican American culture and the Marfa community.
About Blackwell School National Historic Site
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.
Operating 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.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | 12:00PM - 4:00PM | 12:00PM - 4:00PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Blackwell School National Historic Site?
Blackwell School National Historic Site is free to enter.
What are the best activities at Blackwell School National Historic Site?
Blackwell School National Historic Site offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages.
What is the weather like at Blackwell School National Historic Site?
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.
How do I get to Blackwell School National Historic Site?
The Blackwell School is located in west Texas in the community of Marfa at the junction of US 90 and US 67 highways.
Entrance Fees
Free Admission
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.
Directions
The Blackwell School is located in west Texas in the community of Marfa at the junction of US 90 and US 67 highways.
📍 View on Google Maps →Location
Official Resources
NPS Official WebsiteMore Parks in Texas
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