The Life and Times of Jacob Fontaine

Entries on This Tour

Nestled in the heart of Austin, Texas, lies a cemetery deeply intertwined with Austin's racial history. Established in 1839 as a public cemetery, Oakwood Cemetery is the oldest state-owned cemetery and the oldest in Austin. It has been a site of unity and segregation, reflecting the broader history of race relations in Texas and the United States. Despite this darker page in history, Oakwood Cemetery remains a site of unity and reverence, with over 40 acres of manicured grounds that honor the memories of its diverse inhabitants. Oakwood Cemetery is home to many notable figures, from city leaders to civil rights leaders.1

2. St. David's Episcopal Church

St. David's Episcopal Church, established and built in 1854, stands as an enduring testament to Austin's rich history. Designed in the Gothic Revival style by its first pastor, Edward Fontaine. This remarkable structure holds the distinction of being one of the oldest buildings in the city*1. At the time, Edward did have a slave who was the sexton at the church, named Jacob Fontaine. While still a slave, he honed his pastoral skills by preaching in the basement of the old Methodist Church*2. Jacob would go onto become a leader in Austin’s black community, including helping to find 6 more churches, and creating the first black newspaper in Texas, The Gold Dollar*3. At the time of its construction, it was among a select few Episcopalian churches in the entire state of Texas. The church's origins trace back to the merger of two congregations: Christ Church, founded in 1847, and the Church of the Epiphany, established in 1851*4. Notable members of Austin's community attended the church, solidifying its prominence in the region.

3. The University of Texas at Austin's Journey to Integration

Renowned for its city campus, research focus, and its longhorn mascot, the University of Texas at Austin is one of Texas’ first public institutions of higher education. It began instruction in 18831 as a white segregated school, but was voted to be placed in Austin by white and black men2,3. It would take a little more than seven decades for UT-Austin to integrate its admissions4 and even longer to stop pushing black communities further eastward to expand its campus5. Now it welcomes more than 52,000 students annually6 and has held events and started projects to commemorate African Americans’ role in its history7.

This Tour is a Driving or Biking Tour.

The Life and Times of Jacob Fontaine

Created by Waterloo School on May 23rd 2023, 4:47:01 pm.

Get a QR Code for this tour

Description

Jacob Fontaine was an influential African-American entrepreneur and minister during the 1870s who had a massive impact on the city of Austin. He was enslaved by Edward Fontaine, the first reverend of Saint David’s Episcopal church. After obtaining freedom, he opened his own church and continued to found Baptist churches around the United States. Jacob Fontaine also started a newspaper, the Gold Dollar, and was one of the most successful businessmen in Austin during his time. Furthermore he was integral in gathering votes for the University of Texas to be built in Austin. The locations on this tour showcase his accomplishments and offer insight into one of the most pivotal figures in Austin history.

Entries on This Tour

The Life and Times of Jacob Fontaine

Description

Share