The History of Wooten Elementary
Dr. Goodall Harrison Wooten
Physician, Philanthropist, Civic Leader, and Friend of Education
Wooten Elementary is named in honor of Dr. Goodall Harrison Wooten, an Austin physician and civic leader whose life was defined by service. He cared deeply about the health of his neighbors, the growth of Austin, the education of young people, and the creation of opportunities for future generations.
Physician, philanthropist, and visionary Austin leader whose generosity, love of education, and investment in young people continue to inspire Wooten Elementary’s commitment to helping every child thrive.
Born in Paris, Texas, in 1869, Dr. Wooten moved to Austin with his family in 1872. His father, Dr. Thomas Dudley Wooten, was one of the original members of The University of Texas Board of Regents and served as president of the board for many years. Growing up in a family committed to education and public service helped shape Dr. Wooten’s lifelong devotion to Austin and its institutions.
Dr. Wooten attended private and public schools in Austin before earning his bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas in 1891 and his master’s degree in 1892. He continued his medical studies in Galveston and later graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York in 1895.
After completing his education, Dr. Wooten returned to Austin and practiced medicine for nearly forty years. He became a trusted physician to generations of Austin families, but his influence extended far beyond his medical practice.
A Champion for Austin’s Youth
Dr. Wooten believed young people deserved opportunities to explore, build confidence, develop character, and learn to lead.
He was a devoted supporter of the Boy Scouts and a friend and former classmate of Lyman J. Bailey, who organized Austin’s first Scout troop. In 1934, Dr. Wooten purchased 125 acres overlooking Bull Creek for $5,000 and donated the property to the Boy Scouts of Central Texas.
He also funded a well, contributed additional land, and provided further financial support for cabins, buildings, and other improvements. His gifts to the camp totaled more than $20,000—an extraordinary investment in Austin’s young people.
The site became Camp Tom Wooten, named in memory of Dr. Wooten’s only son, who died in his youth. For generations, the camp gave young people a place to experience nature, form friendships, develop leadership skills, and create lasting memories.
Dr. Wooten’s generosity reflected a belief that children thrive when caring adults invest in their growth—an idea that continues to guide the work of Wooten Elementary today.
Building a Better Austin
Dr. Wooten was deeply invested in Austin’s civic and cultural life. He served for several years on the board of the Austin Chamber of Commerce and completed two terms as its president, from 1936 to 1937 and again from 1938 to 1939.
Known for his deep pride in Austin, he worked to make the city stronger, more beautiful, and more culturally vibrant. His dedication to education was evident through his loyal support of The University of Texas and his efforts to help establish the Texas Memorial Museum.
During the 1930s, Dr. Wooten was recognized as Austin’s “Most Worthy Citizen,” an honor given to an individual whose service had made a meaningful difference in the community.
Dr. Wooten retired from medicine in the late 1930s. He died at his Austin home on January 30, 1942, after a lifetime of service to his patients, his city, and its children.
A Lasting Austin Legacy
Dr. Wooten’s legacy remains visible in Austin today. The historic home he shared with his wife, Ella, was completed in 1900 and still stands at 1900 Rio Grande.
Dr. Goodall and Ella Wooten's home at 1900 Rio Grande became a gathering place for civic leadership, philanthropy, and hospitality during Austin's early years.
Now known as Hotel Ella, the residence is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and a notable example of Classical Revival architecture.
Known for its beautiful gardens and gracious hospitality, the Wooten home became an important part of Austin’s social and civic life. Together, Goodall and Ella Wooten contributed to the city’s educational, cultural, and community development during a period of remarkable growth.
Their historic home continues to serve as a tangible reminder of the Wooten family’s lasting influence on Austin.
Today, the beautifully restored Wooten residence continues to welcome guests as Hotel Ella, preserving the legacy of the family whose name continues to inspire generations of Wooten students.
The Story of Wooten Elementary
In recognition of Dr. Wooten’s commitment to education, civic life, and Austin’s youth, the Austin School Board named Goodall Wooten Elementary School in his honor.
The school opened on Anderson Lane in 1955. Its name serves as a lasting tribute to a man who gave generously of his knowledge, leadership, time, and resources to improve the lives of others.
Today, Wooten Elementary carries that spirit of service forward. We put kids first and prepare every child to thrive through equity, belonging, and high-quality instruction. Like our namesake, we believe that investing in children strengthens the entire community.
Did You Know?
- Dr. Wooten’s full name was Goodall Harrison Wooten.
- He moved to Austin when he was approximately three years old.
- He earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The University of Texas.
- He practiced medicine in Austin for nearly forty years.
- His donation helped establish a Scout camp overlooking Bull Creek.
- His historic home still stands near The University of Texas.
- Wooten Elementary has served Austin children since 1955.