Tyler Colored High School, called the first known Black school
The city’s 2000 National Register documentation says the first known school for African Americans in Tyler was Tyler Colored High School, a private school that operated as early as 1882 with John F. Anderson as principal.
Note
The Handbook of Texas says children at a year-old Black school in Tyler were attacked in June 1868.
Sources
- National Register Multiple Property Documentation Form: Historic and Architectural Resources of Tyler, Texas (Diane E. Williams, 2000; THC Atlas)atlas.thc.texas.gov
In Tyler, the first known school for African Americans was Tyler Colored High School (Figure 27), a private school, which operated as early as 1882.
Checked October 15, 2026. How the cards are filed