If you eagerly add stamps to your National Park Passport, add another destination to your trip planner: Marfa, Texas. The Blackwell School National Historic Site in Texas is now the nation’s newest national park, giving the country 430 national park sites.
The latest national park focuses on Latino history
Written by prejudice rather than law, the story of the Blackwell School is one of “separate but equal” education for Mexican and Mexican American citizens of Marfa, Texas. A press release from the Park Service fills in the details.
Built in 1909, the school is a significant example of how racism and cultural disparity dominated education and social systems in the United States. This played out during a period of de facto segregation from 1889 to 1965. The designation permanently protects the site and helps tell the history of Texas school districts that established separate elementary schools for Mexican American children.
“Rich history and cultural heritage”
“Today’s designation of the Blackwell School as our nation’s newest national park ensures that the rich history and cultural heritage of this significant place is preserved for future generations,” said Interior Secretary Deb Haaland. “This site is a powerful reminder of our nation’s diverse and often complex journey toward equality and justice. By honoring the legacy of Blackwell School, we recognize the resilience and contributions of the Latino community in our shared history.”
The bill that directed the formation of the new national park came in part through the advocacy of West Texans, the nonprofit Blackwell School Alliance, and the National Parks Conservation Association. President Biden signed the Blackwell School National Historic Site Act into law in 2022.
This bipartisan bill was originally introduced in Congress by former Congressmen Will Hurd and Filemón Vela of Texas. Representative Tony Gonzales, Senator John Cornyn of Texas, and Senator Alex Padilla of California brought the bill across the finish line. This, according to a release from the National Parks Conservation Association.
The law directed the National Park Service (NPS) to establish the school as a national park site. Before that could happen, property had to be transferred to the federal government. After years of planning and a deeding process, the Blackwell School property finally changed hands this summer. It officially transferred the land from the Marfa Independent School District to NPS. This removed the final barrier to officially establishing Blackwell as the 430th national park site. It’s only the second such site dedicated to modern Latino history.
Adobe schoolhouse and classroom center of latest national park
The Blackwell School site is home to the original 1909 adobe schoolhouse. Additionally, a smaller 1927 classroom building known as the Band Hall is part of the park. The buildings display photographs, memorabilia, and interpretive panels that feature quotes and stories from students and teachers.
The public is now welcome at the site, but it does have limited hours and services. The Blackwell School Alliance is partnering with NPS to provide visitor services at the site. Blackwell School alumni founded the alliance as a local nonprofit to save their alma mater.
Click here for the official NPS website.
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How many readers have been to Marfa, TX – meaning stopped and at least tried to see the town? What little is there is somewhat eclectic. And the streets are rolled up quite early for the places that are open. My suggestion? Stay in Alpine, TX (the Lost Alaskan RV Park is delightful), visit not only those two towns, but also Ft. Davis. …and hey, if you are a night owl, try to see the Marfa Lights, 9 miles east of Marfa toward Alpine.
Not me, Jim. I have been to Texas thrice in 67 years. No idea if, when we’ll return. Lots of miles between here and there. Thanks for the overview! It sounds like a nice place. Have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
Good info, thanks Jim!
Thanks for the info. We have planned a stop to see the lights, will definitely visit the fort.
Thank you, Russ and Tina! 🙂 Hmm, … another national park … . Well. Thanks again, have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
You’re calling it a “national park” but what I read elsewhere is that it’s designated a “national historic site”. It’s under the auspices of the national park system but not actually a national park.
Hi, Christine (which is my middle name, BTW). This is in the press release from the U.S. Department of the Interior on July 17: “Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland today formally established Blackwell School National Historic Site in Texas as the nation’s newest national park.” Have a good rest-of-the-day. (I forgot I was going to respond to your comment hours ago–been busy working on tomorrow’s newsletter.🫤) 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
A little disappointed to see such limited hours, but get the lack of resources.
I found it crashingly boring.