Event of 1849: Austin College receives a charter in Huntsville, Texas. (1849)

Austin College was founded in Huntsville, Texas, in October 1849 by missionary Daniel Baker. The institution received its charter in November 1849, signed by Texas Governor George Wood. Modeled after Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, this charter remains the oldest operating under its original name in Texas.

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Background and detail

Background. Daniel Baker, a missionary educated at Hampden–Sydney and Princeton, founded Austin College in Huntsville, Texas, on October 13, 1849. The college is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and currently located in Sherman, Texas. It remains the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under its original charter and name.

Charter. The charter for Austin College was signed by Texas Governor George Wood in November 1849. It was modeled after the charters of Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. This document established the legal framework for the college, which continues to operate under this original charter as recognized by the State Historical Survey Committee.

Legacy. Austin College is recognized as the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under its original charter and name. This status was recognized by the State Historical Survey Committee. The college currently enrolls about 1,300 students and maintains a music program including choirs and orchestras.

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Sources

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