TYLER, Texas — Tyler's oldest institution and second oldest historically Black college in Texas is celebrating its 130th anniversary.
Texas College Chief of Marketing Jake Martin said the school continues to provide higher education to many students but the school continues to remember its humble beginnings.
The historically Black college was founded on January 9, 1894, by Christian Methodist Episcopal Church ministers. Initially, the school was built to provide advanced education to former slaves.
"The school has grown throughout the years with many of the buildings on campus, built more than 100 years ago," Martin said. "Created to educate African-Americans in college now has a diverse population of students, faculty, and staff."
A four-room frame house held the first class which included six students. Within a year, the student population grew to over 100.
Texas College is located at 2404 North Grand Avenue.