[1] The building that served as Addie E. McFarland High School became[when?]

In 1884, the Texas Legislature passed legislation requiring Wood County, Texas to be divided up into free school districts, including several African American schools.

However, what became South Ward/Mineola Colored/McFarland wasn't among the African American schools the legislature authorized.

The last graduating class from McFarland was in 1966; the next fall, students attended Mineola High School.

While students in white Mineola High School were offered an elective in English History, Negro History was offered in its place at the South Ward High School.