Two Texas Universities Share Common Ancestry and Celebrate 175th Anniversaries

  

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, TX and Baylor University in Waco, TX both begin yearlong celebrations of their common founding in 1845. 

On February 1st of that year, Republic of Texas President Anson Jones signed the Act of Congress that officially established Baylor University.

The institution was initially located in Independence, TX and offered a Preparatory Division in addition to co-educational classes for college students. In 1851, under the same charter, a Female Department and a Male Department were created, ending co-education.

In 1866, the Female Department obtained a separate charter as Baylor Female College and its own board of trustees. It became the Baylor College for Women in 1924. The name changed to Mary Hardin-Baylor College in 1934 and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in 1978.

A decision was also made in 1886 to relocate both institutions. The Male Department consolidated with Waco University in Waco, Texas, retaining the name Baylor University, while the Baylor Female College moved to Belton, Texas.

  

You can visit the the Baylor University Libraries Digital Collections or the Townsend Memorial Library Digital Collections at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor to find extensive collections of historical resources.