| Marker Text |
German immigrants arrived in Northeast Travis County in 1849. Education was highly valued, starting with lessons in the home. In 1872, a one-room school opened on the Henry Lisso farm. The school later moved to the Carrington Ranch. This and surrounding rural schools often had one teacher for all grades, with instruction in English and German. In 1907, a two-story white brick school opened in Pflugerville on property donated by George Pfluger. Three young ladies comprised the first graduating class in 1911 by completing the 11th grade. The school year lasted seven months, coinciding with the growing season. Early educators included Principal l. W. Land and teacher Emma Kuhn Johnson. Henry Bohls, J.W. Neese, John Klattenhoff, and E. W. Pfluger were among early trustees. After completing sixth grade in rural schools, most area students came to Pflugerville to attend high school. In 1919, the Texas Legislature created the Pflugerville Independent School District (PISD). After consolidation with Highland, Dessau, Center Point and Rowe, a two-story red brick school was built on this site in 1921. The second story featured an auditorium for presentations and community events. Separate campuses were established for African-American and Mexican-American pupils. A Works Progress Administration (WPA) camp in Pflugerville built the rock gym in 1934 which became a noted athletic venue. The Panthers Football Team, coached by cousins Charles and Hub Kuempel, set a national record with 55 consecutive wins from 1958-62. Pflugerville schools integrated in 1965, and in 1973 a new High School campus was established west of this site. Nearly a century after its founding, the PISD serves more than 23,000 students on 29 campuses. Graduates continue to make a difference in their community, state, and nation. (2012) |
