National Register Listing

Guinn, James E., School

1200 South Freeway, Fort Worth, TX
Known as the Southside Colored School until 1917, the James E. Guinn School currently consists of three buildings that date from 1927 to 1954. The James E Guinn School exemplifies the struggle of the black community to provide adequate educational facilities from the founding of the Southside Colored School in the 1890s through the struggle for integration in the 1950s and 1960s. The Guinn School (1927 to 1954) meets Criterion A in the area of Education at the local level of significance for its role in educating African American children in Fort Worth. The Guinn School also meets Criterion C in the area of Architecture at the local level of significance as a representative example of school architecture and campus development by Fort Worth architecture firms headed by Wiley G. Clarkson, Elmer G. Withers and Wyatt C. Hedrick. The period of significance extends to 1954 to include the 1953-54 Gymnasium/Shop Building, designed by prominent Fort Worth architect Wyatt C. Hedrick and built just prior to the integration of Fort Worth schools in the 1950s and 1960s. Its integral historic and architectural relationship to the school complex therefore supports Criteria Consideration G for properties that have achieved significance within the last fifty years.
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

education architecture
Texas is not a state – it’s a state of mind
John Steinbeck in Travels with Charley
Tarrant County, Texas, has a significant place in the history of the Lone Star State. The area was initially inhabited by indigenous tribes before European exploration and settlement. In the mid-19th century, the region became part of the Republic of Texas after gaining independence from Mexico.

Tarrant County was established in 1849 and named after Edward H. Tarrant, a military leader during the Texas Revolution. The county experienced significant growth and development throughout the 19th century, fueled by factors such as the expansion of railroads, cattle ranching, and the discovery of oil.

During the 20th century, Tarrant County continued to flourish and adapt to changing times. It became an important hub for transportation, commerce, and industry. The county's largest city, Fort Worth, emerged as a major center for cattle trading and eventually diversified into a vibrant economic and cultural hub.

Today, Tarrant County is one of the most populous counties in Texas, encompassing Fort Worth and several other cities and communities. It boasts a diverse economy, encompassing sectors such as aerospace, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Tarrant County is also home to renowned educational institutions, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities, making it a dynamic and thriving region within the state.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Tarrant County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The area was inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Wichita and Comanche, before European settlement.

  • 1849: Tarrant County was officially established and named after Edward H. Tarrant, a military leader in the Republic of Texas.

  • 1850s: Fort Worth, the county seat, began as a military outpost on the Trinity River, providing protection for settlers and serving as a stop on the Chisholm Trail cattle drive route.

  • Late 19th Century: The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s spurred economic growth in Fort Worth and the county. The city became a center for the cattle industry, agriculture, and trade.

  • 20th Century: Tarrant County experienced significant urbanization and diversification. Fort Worth became a major hub for the oil and gas industry, aviation, and defense with the establishment of military bases.

  • Civil Rights Era: Tarrant County, like many regions in the United States, faced challenges and changes during the civil rights movement, with efforts to achieve racial equality and social progress.

  • Modern Times: Tarrant County continues to thrive as a major economic and cultural center in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and industries such as healthcare, finance, technology, and education.

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