Historical Markers in Texas

Butler College

History·Smith County·Texas

Rev. Cornelius Moses Butler and trustees of the East Texas Baptist Association founded East Texas Baptist Academy in 1905. The academy was created to improve educational opportunities for African American youth in and around the city of Tyler. Rev. Butler served as the academy's first president until his death in 1924, at which time the institution's name was changed to Butler College. The school transitioned to a junior college and then a four year liberal arts college, before reverting back to a junior college in 1960. The association voted to close the college in 1971 because of rising costs. A heritage building was built on the Butler College site in 1992. (2008)

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32.3402, -95.3217

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