Waco in McLennan County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Waco University

Photographed by James Hulse, August 5, 2022

1. Waco University Marker

Inscription. In 1861, Dr. Rufus C. Burleson (1823-1901) resigned as president of Baylor University (then located at Independence) to become head of the Waco Classical School, which had been founded in 1856 as the Trinity River Male High School by the Rev. Solomon G. O'Bryan. For 25 years Burleson worked tirelessly to make Waco University, as it was renamed in 1861, the pre-eminent Baptist College in the state, and by the early 1880s enrollment had reached over 400 students. In 1886, the Waco and Independence institutions were unified as Baylor University at Waco. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986

Erected 1986 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 5695.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.

Location. 31° 33.163′ N, 97° 7.636′ W. Marker is in Waco, Texas, in McLennan County. It is at the intersection of South 5th Street and Clay Avenue, on the right when traveling south on South 5th Street. The marker is located at the corner of 5th Street and Clay Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Waco TX 76706, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: First Baptist Church of Waco (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Silos Baking Co. (about 600 feet away); The Grain Barn (about 700 feet away); History of the Grounds (about 700 feet away);

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The Silos (about 800 feet away); Dr Pepper Co Boiler & Painted Dr Pepper Sign (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Kellum and Rotan Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); DP Neon Sign & Old AMBC Building (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Waco.

Also see . . . Waco University. Waco History

When Waco incorporated in 1856, Baptists already held a significant presence in the small town. Seeking to establish a preparatory school for the provision of education for young Baptist men, First Baptist congregants banded together with the Trinity River Baptist Association in 1856 to create Trinity River Male High School, later called Trinity River Classical School. The small school held its first classes in 1857 in temporary quarters at First Baptist Church on Fourth Street. Hoping to expand the reach of the school, trustees purchased a 7 ½-acre tract of land south of the city plat between Fifth and Sixth Streets in 1859. With assistance from the local community, the school constructed two large brick buildings. Source: Amanda Sawyer

(Submitted on August 13, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The Waco University Marker by the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 5, 2022

2. The Waco University Marker by the street

The view of the Waco University Marker from across the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 5, 2022

3. The view of the Waco University Marker from across the street

Credits. This page was last revised on August 13, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 13, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 430 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 13, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.