Blackwell School site in West Texas formally established as national park

MARFA, Texas (KXAN) — The Blackwell School National Historic Site in Marfa, Texas, has been formally established as the nation’s newest national park.

The park was authorized by the Blackwell School National Historic Site Act, signed by President Biden in October 2022. The designation permanently protects the site for future generations and helps keep its history alive.

This is the seventh national park unit designated under President Biden. Other recent additions include the Amache National Historic Site in Colorado, the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument in Illinois and Mississippi, and Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park in Kansas.

Blackwell School tells the story of Texas school districts that established separate elementary schools for Mexican American children through the practice of de facto segregation, which was when students were separated from their white peers even though there wasn’t legislation that required it. Many Texas school districts followed this practice.

Education in Marfa for children of Mexican descent dates from the 1880s and is commemorated today in the historic schoolhouse built in 1909, according to Blackwell School’s website . Blackwell closed in 1965 when a new elementary school opened and Marfa’s schools achieved integration.

“A complete history of America must include everyone’s story. The designation of the Blackwell School National Historic Site is an important step in telling a more diverse and inclusive history of the Mexican American experience in our country,” said Director of the National Park Service Chuck Sams. “We are grateful for the dedicated efforts of many to save and share the story of the Blackwell School and its students in order to honor the alumni, family members and Hispanic communities affected by these practices.”

The legislation of the 2022 act directed the National Park Service to work with the Marfa Independent School District and City of Marfa, Texas, and other partners to acquire the land necessary for Wednesday’s official establishment of the park, according to the National Parks Service.

The Parks Service said in a release the Blackwell School consists of the original 1909 adobe schoolhouse and a smaller 1927 classroom building known as the Band Hall. The buildings contain photographs, memorabilia, and interpretive panels that feature quotes and stories from students and teachers.

Blackwell was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2019.

The site is currently open to the public with limited hours and services. The Blackwell School Alliance is partnering with NPS to provide visitor services at the site.

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