Historic East Austin Elementary School Celebrates 135th Anniversary

Blackshear Elementary School has served the community since 1891.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Blackshear Elementary School in East Austin is celebrating its 135th anniversary on Friday, February 13, 2026. The school first opened in 1891 to provide public education to African-American children in the community, then known as Gregory Town. Over the decades, the school has been recognized as a Texas Historical Site and is known for its focus on arts education, with students engaging in dance, theater, and music twice a week.

Why it matters

Blackshear Elementary's 135-year history reflects the resilience and importance of public education, especially for marginalized communities. As one of the oldest schools in Austin, its anniversary celebration highlights the school's role in shaping the city's educational and cultural landscape over generations.

The details

Blackshear Elementary School was originally called School No. 3, Gregory Town School, and Gregory School before being named after Edward L. Blackshear, a 19th-century teacher and principal. The school was recognized as a Texas Historical Site in 2001. Today, Blackshear is part of the Eastside Early College High School family of schools and is known for its robust arts education program, with students engaging in dance, theater, and music twice a week.

  • Blackshear Elementary School opened in 1891.
  • The school was recognized as a Texas Historical Site in 2001.
  • Blackshear Elementary is celebrating its 135th anniversary on Friday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Edward L. Blackshear

A 19th-century teacher and principal who the school was named after after he left Austin in 1895 to become head of Prairie View College.

Blackshear Elementary School

A historic elementary school in East Austin that opened in 1891 to provide public education to African-American children in the community, then known as Gregory Town.

Austin Independent School District

The school district that Blackshear Elementary School is a part of.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“135 years is such an incredible milestone for a school, especially one with such deep roots in the community.”

— Jamal Rodriguez, Principal, Blackshear Elementary School (KXAN)

What’s next

Blackshear Elementary School will host a celebratory event on Friday, February 13, 2026 from 5-7 pm to mark its 135th anniversary.

The takeaway

Blackshear Elementary's enduring legacy as one of Austin's oldest schools underscores the vital role of public education, especially for marginalized communities. Its anniversary celebration is a testament to the school's commitment to the arts and its continued importance in shaping the city's educational and cultural landscape.