Waco, Texas / History
Paul Quinn College site
The historic site of Paul Quinn College, a pioneering pioneer educational institution for former slaves, has been transformed into a modern community hub for East Waco.
What is the Paul Quinn College site known for?
The historic Quinn Campus has been redeveloped into a community hub that includes a community YMCA, a charter school, and the African American Chamber of Commerce.
When and where did Paul Quinn College open in East Waco?
Paul Quinn College opened at 1020 Elm Avenue in East Waco in 1881.
What is the history of the college?
The college was previously known as the Connectional School for the Education of Negro Youth, which was founded in Austin in 1872 by the African Methodist Episcopalian Church to provide education to former slaves.
What should I check before going?
Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.
What to know
The Paul Quinn College site represents a significant chapter in the history of African American education in Texas. The institution began as the Connectional School for the Education of Negro Youth, founded in Austin in 1872 by the African Methodist Episcopalian Church to provide education to former slaves. After moving to Waco, the school initially occupied a small building at Eighth Street and Mary Avenue before relocating to its permanent facility at 1020 Elm Avenue in 1881. Today, the historic Quinn Campus is no longer a college campus in the traditional sense, but has been redeveloped into a vibrant community hub. This modern facility integrates several essential services, now housing a charter school, a community YMCA, and the African American Chamber of Commerce, continuing the site's legacy of empowerment and community service. Visitors can appreciate the site's transition from a pioneering educational center for the newly freed people of the century's late 1800s to a modern center for community development and local business empowerment in East Waco.
Nearby context
Located in the heart of Historic East Waco, the Paul Quinn College site serves as a modern anchor for the neighborhood's cultural and spiritual legacy of African American history in the city.
Sources
Evidence and links
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Paul Quinn College
As the nation’s first Urban Work College and Texas’ oldest Historically Black College (HBCU), we are committed to preparing students for su…
paulquinn.edu -
Prospective Students - Paul Quinn College
Choosing the right college is a big deal—and we think visiting Paul Quinn is the best way to know if it’s the right place for you.
paulquinn.edu -
Districts | Waco - Baylor University
the redevelopment of the historic Quinn Campus into a community hub, including a charter school, community YMCA, and the African American C…
waco.web.baylor.edu -
HISTORIC EAST WACO -
Five years later, the campus moved to Waco, where it occupied a small building located at Eighth Street and Mary Avenue until an increase i…
wacotexashistoryinpictures.com