Only so much is known and can be found out through extensive research about Colorado Negro School No. 1. This news article will attempt to explain the lost history of Colorado Negro School No. 1 in such detail. Colorado Negro School No. 1 operated from 1867 to 1950.
Colorado Negro School No. 1 (Colorado School No. 2) in 1867 after the American Civil War around the time the Colorado Common School District (now Del Valle ISD) was established. It was built as a wooden square box building located where Capitol Feed & Milling Company is located today near the junction of Thompson Lane & US 183. Colorado Negro School No. 1 educated black students in grades 1 through 7.
This school was built to serve only African American students living Austin and Del Valle. Most of the students came from both Del Valle, Montopolis, and Austin. (Ref: Austin American Statesman, p. 3, March 19, 1917)
Colorado Negro School No. 1 was also known as Colorado School No. 1 as identified on a 1932 Travis County Topographic and Road Map. (Ref: 1932 Travis County Topographic and Road Map)
During the 1934-1935 school year, Colorado School No. 1 had 36 students with one teacher educating the entire class. Average daily attendance was 21 students. School terms were six months. The cost per year was $495 with $23.57 a student each year.
In 1939, the school had faced a delayed opening as Mexican School and Negro School openings were delayed due to political issues. Not enough funding was allocated towards these schools. (Ref: The Austin American, County Schools Get Year's Work Started: Mexican and Negro School Openings Are Delayed, October 1, 1939)
In 1950, the school closed due to integration. This led the students to be transferred elsewhere. The school building was demolished in 1951 after Callahan’s Store was built on site.
Colorado Negro School No. 1 was located on Thompson Lane, Austin, Texas, US 78742.
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