History of Mount Salem School in Austin, Texas explored.

Mount Salem School is one of the lesser known schools of Travis County and Austin. This news article will explain what this school was and where this school was originally located.

Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Mount Salem purchased three acres here in 1882 for a sanctuary, church, school, and a cemetery in 1882. Land was purchased from James Corry Maxwell (1840-1918), better known simply as J.C. Maxwell. (Ref: Methodist Episcopal Church of Mount Salem Cemetery historical marker)

Mount Salem Methodist-Episcopal Church had a school called Mount Salem School. The same building has accommodated both the church and school. One building doubled as both the church and school. Mount Salem School is one of many Travis County African American schools suspected to be associated with a freedmen's colony. (Ref: https://traviscountyhistorical.blogspot.com/2021/10/mount-salem-methodist-episcopal-church.html)

The earliest reference acknowledging the school’s existence was a news article from the Austin Weekly Statesman dating back to October 11, 1883. This meant Mount Salem School began operating in 1883. An early reference to Mount Salem School comes in 1883 in reference to money allocated to public schools: "Mt. Salem, about 8 miles N.E. of city ... $231.15" Mount Salem School good size school which managed to allocated money than the neighboring Fiskville Negro School/Fiskville Colored School. (Ref: Austin Weekly Statesman, Page 4, October 11, 1883)

Travis County Schools Superintendent Records at the Austin History Center indicate the school was officially recognized in 1884. These records show Mt. Salem was established "officially" on August 30, 1884 despite already operating on county funds. Ms. Sallie Taylor was the teacher. (Ref: Travis County Schools Superintendent Records from 1884),

1898 Travis County roads map detail show the location of Mount Salem School labeled as “Col. S H” on Criswell Lane, southeast of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Mount Salem Cemetery. (Ref: https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth787616/m1/14/)

Mount Salem School was School No. 3 in School District No. 17 of Sprinkle Common School District (Sprinkle School District No. 17) until 1930 when the building had burned down in a fire. No trace of the school can be found today.

Mount Salem School was located on Criswell Lane, Austin, Texas, US.