Stephen F. Austin, known as the “Father of Texas”, had dedicated his life to developing the colonies of American settlers in Texas. He fell ill in the new capital of Columbia (now West Columbia) and died of pneumonia at just 43 years old. The Columbia Historical Museum recounts the rich history of West and East Columbia with an emphasis on the families that settled this region. The museum invites visitors to learn about the unique passage of pioneers, statesmen, soldiers, merchants, citizens and families. The site also maintains a restored school house that served as one of Texas' Rosenwald Schools, educating post-emancipation African American youth.

Watch the following video to learn more about Rosenwald Schools in Texas. This video was produced for inclusion in the African Americans in Texas mobile tour found in our Texas Time Travel Tours mobile app. For more information about the mobile tour and African American cultural heritage in Texas, visit the African American Heritage theme page at the following link: http://texastimetravel.com/travel-themes/main-african-american-heritage