Brownwood in Brown County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Daniel Baker College

Photographed by James Hulse, May 30, 2024

1. Daniel Baker College Marker

Inscription. Affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and named for early Texas circuit-riding minister Daniel Baker (1791-1857), this institution was founded in 1888 by the Rev. Brainard Taylor McClelland: (1845-1901). The college officially was chartered on April 5, 1889. McClelland, under whose leadership Brownwood's first Presbyterian Church was founded in 1876, served as the college's first president. His wife, Susan Mary Smith McClelland, was a member of the college culty and assumed a leadership role for two years following her husband's death. Land for the college campus was donated by brothers Samuel R. and Modie J. Coggin.

The first class of Daniel Baker graduates, consisting of eight students, received diplomas in May 1895. In addition to academic instruction, the college also featured an active sports program, with football, baseball, track, and basketball teams.

Plagued with financial problems throughout its history, the college was briefly affiliated with the Methodist and Episcopal denominations. Finally, in 1953, it was consolidated with Howard Payne College, a Baptist school also located in Brownwood.

Erected 1992 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 1165.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is April 5, 1889.

Location. 31° 42.654′ N, 98° 58.668′ W. Marker is in Brownwood, Texas, in Brown County. It is at the intersection of Austin Avenue (Farm to Market Road 2524) and Avenue D, on the right when traveling north on Austin Avenue. The marker is located on the campus of Howard Payne University. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1308 Austin Ave, Brownwood TX 76801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Big Country.

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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 Comanchería,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Coggin Academy-McClelland Library (a few steps from this marker); Dr. Mollie W. Armstrong (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Gray Mare Band (approx. 0.4 miles away); Brownwood Harvey House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Brownwood Santa Fe Passenger Depot (approx. 0.4 miles away); Brooke Smith (approx. 0.4 miles away); Howard Payne University (approx. 0.6 miles away); "Hey Paula" (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brownwood.

Photographed by James Hulse, May 30, 2024

2. Daniel Baker College Marker

The view of the Daniel Baker College Marker from the sidewalk image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, May 30, 2024

3. The view of the Daniel Baker College Marker from the sidewalk

Credits. This page was last revised on June 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 238 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 8, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.