Benton City, Texas

Benton City Institute was an important early educational institution in the area, and its ruins are the only remaining building in town. It was built in 1875,[6] established in 1876,[7] and originally called the Benton City Normal Institute, operating under a Texas law distributing state funds to supplement private tuition, but owned and operated by educators. It was first run by John D. Morrison. In 1876 the top floor was bought and used by Atascosa Lodge 379, A.F. & A.M., and classes were held in the lower floor.[8][9][10] Curricula included basic foundation courses plus accounting, law, music, and surveying. Later, the school became fully tax-supported.[11]

By 1878, the school was coeducational, and owned and operated by Professor and Mrs. Bernard C. Hendrix of Kentucky, and in 1889 it was renamed Benton School.[12] In 1909, the Masons relocated to nearby Lytle, and the school grew to encompass the entire building. In 1910, it was renamed Old Rock School, and had an influential career until 1919, when the school district was consolidated with nearby Lytle.[13][14] The building continued to be used at times until 1934.[15]

State Historic Marker

In 1970, the site was dedicated by the State of Texas as a historic site with a metal plaque, which has since been removed.