Anson Jones signs the charter creating Baylor University

Background. In the fall of 1844, the Texas Baptist Education Society petitioned the Congress of the Republic of Texas to charter a Baptist university. The Republic of Texas, a sovereign country from 1836 to 1846, was governed by President Anson Jones, who had been elected in 1844. Jones, a former Secretary of State, served as the fourth and last president of the Republic during this period.

Signing of the Charter. President Anson Jones signed the Act of Congress on February 1, 1845, officially establishing Baylor University. The chartering act was passed by the last Congress of the Republic of Texas. The founders built the original university campus in Independence, Texas, where the newly chartered institution began its existence.

Political Context. Anson Jones was the fourth and last president of the Republic of Texas. He served as Secretary of State until 1844 before becoming president. The Republic existed from March 2, 1836, to February 19, 1846. Jones's presidency coincided with the final years of the Republic, leading up to its annexation by the United States in December 1845.