Blackwell School officially named 430th National Park Site

MARFA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) – The Texas Department of the Interior formally named the Blackwell School National Historic Site as the 430 ^th National Park Site on Wednesday.

In 2022, the Blackwell School National Historic Site Act, by Congressman Tony Gonzales and U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Alex Padilla, was signed into law. The legislation directed the National Park Service to establish the Blackwell School as a national park site.

“The Blackwell School in Marfa is a pillar of our Mexican American history. Today’s designation comes after years of thoughtful work to ensure that the stories and memories of Blackwell students are remembered for generations to come. This is the beginning of an exciting chapter for Marfa, as this site will support economic development and bring new visitors to West Texas to experience a rich piece of Texas’ history. Thank you to the National Parks Conservation Association, Blackwell School Alliance, Blackwell School alumni, and Senators John Cornyn and Alex Padilla for your partnership in establishing the Blackwell School as the newest national park site,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales.

“For decades, young Texans of Latino descent were forced to receive a segregated education from their white peers at the Blackwell School in Marfa, Texas, which still stands today as a symbol of how far our nation has come. I am proud to see the Blackwell School finally established as a National Park after years of hard work with my Congressional colleagues, which will allow all Americans to learn from our past and honor the progress we have made as a nation,” said Sen. Cornyn.

From 1909 to 1965, the Blackwell School served as the only school for children of Mexican descent in Marfa, Texas. In 2019, the school was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and met qualifications to become a National Historic Site.

The Blackwell School National Park Site is one of the few national park sites designated to commemorate Latino history and culture in the United States. You can learn more about the school and how you can visit the site on the National Park Service website here .

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