Celebrating 235 years of American independence — and 175 years of Texas independence

While we celebrate the 235th anniversary of America’s independence this weekend, much of Texas is celebrating our great state’s 175 years of independence from Mexico all year. (Texas Monthly is advertising it as the state’s “terquasquicentennial;” say that five times fast.)

Baylor and Baylor people have long played important roles in Texas history, even before independence was won. Albert Horton, one of Baylor’s founding trustees, was a scout for Col. James Fannin during the Texas Revolution. Two other trustees, James Lester and Eli Mercer, fought at the Battle of San Jacinto.

During Texas’ time as an independent nation, Horton served in the Republic of Texas Congress. University co-founder William Tryon was chaplain for the Republic of Texas Senate. Then as Texas became part of the United States, university namesake R.E.B. Baylor helped draw up the state’s original constitution.

The influence of Baylor and Baylor people in Texas has continued ever since. Sam Houston moved his entire family so that several of his children could enroll at Baylor. The university offered the state’s first law degrees, first literary society, first journalism courses and first religious courses for college credit, and members of the Baylor family played large roles in helping establish the University of Texas, Texas A&M and Texas Tech.

I could go on and on — but this is just a blog post. Check out the entire story in the latest issue of Baylor Magazine, in homes and around campus now. (If you’re not receiving Baylor Magazine but would like to, sign up here.)

Sic ’em, Bears in Texas history!