Marfa’s Blackwell School Would be Established as National Historic Site
WASHINGTON – Today, the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee passed the Blackwell School National Historic Site Act authored by U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) which would establish the Blackwell School in Marfa, Texas as a National Historic site and become a part of the National Park System.
“Preserving historical sites is crucial for future generations to understand and apply the important lessons learned as they shape the next chapter of American history,” said Sen. Cornyn. “The Blackwell School in the Big Bend Region of Texas will continue to serve as a symbol of the progress that has been made and what work remains.”
Background:
From 1909 to 1965, the Blackwell School served as the only school for children of Mexican descent in Marfa, Texas to attend. In 2019, the school was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and meets qualifications to become a National Historic Site. If signed into law, this legislation would establish the Blackwell School as one of the few national park sites specifically designated to commemorate Latino history and culture in the United States.