Georgetown in Williamson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Southwestern University
Photographed By Keith Peterson
1. Southwestern University Marker
Mother of all Texas colleges and universities. Absorbed charters of Rutersville College, Fayette County (1840), and Wesleyan Male and Female College, San Augustine (1844), chartered by the Republic of Texas; McKenzie College, Clarksville (1848), and Soule University, Chappell Hill (1856). Georgetown citizens offered land, money and moral support when about 1870 it seemed wise to supplant the several pioneer Methodist institutions with a single church-related university. The community’s work with church leaders resulted in location of “Texas University” here.
A distinguished and devoted educator, Dr. Francis Asbury Mood (1830-1884), was the founding regent (or administrator). The Georgetown College Plant (7 blocks W) was donated by the city. Classes began Oct. 6, 1873.
Upon ceding the name “Texas University” to the state, Southwestern University was chartered on Feb. 6, 1875, and specifically granted all rights and privileges given earlier to Rutersville, Wesleyan, and McKenzie Colleges, and Soule University.
Women students were first admitted in 1878. The “Ladies Annex” was opened (1889) on present campus. This became permanent site of Southwestern University with construction of present main building, 1898-1900.
Erected
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical date for this entry is February 6, 1875.
Location. 30° 38.002′ N, 97° 39.91′ W. Marker is in Georgetown, Texas, in Williamson County. Marker is at the intersection of TX-29 (E University Ave) and Vine St., on the right when traveling west on TX-29 (E University Ave). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Georgetown TX 78626, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Woman’s Club of Georgetown (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Southwestern University Main Building (about 700 feet away); Easley Home (approx. 0.2 miles away); Judge Harry N. Graves (approx. 0.2 miles away); Amos-Godbey House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Iota Chapter (approx. 0.2 miles away); XI Chapter Kappa Alpha Order (approx. ¼ mile away); W.C. Vaden House (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Georgetown.
Also see . . .
1. Southwestern University. (Submitted on December 9, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas.)
2. Wikipedia: Southwestern University. (Submitted on December 9, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas.)
Photographed By QuesterMark, June 29, 2014
2. Southwestern University Texas Historical Marker and surroundings
Photographed By Keith Peterson
3. Southwestern University
Credits. This page was last revised on November 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 9, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. This page has been viewed 780 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 9, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. 2. submitted on August 22, 2015, by QuesterMark of Fort Worth, Texas. 3. submitted on December 15, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
