The Great Texas Tumbleweed Race: Who Has the Oldest College?
Ah, Texas. Land of wide-open spaces, ten-gallon hats, and apparently, a good ol' fashioned brawl...over college age? Buckle up, history buffs and trivia night champions, because we're about to untangle the thorny thicket of "What is the oldest college in Texas?"
The Contenders: A Fistful of Diplomas
First up, we have Baylor University, waving its Baptist flag high and claiming the title since 1845. They've got the receipts (or should we say, the charters) to prove it, having been established by the Republic of Texas itself. Now, that's some serious frontier-style education!
But wait! Don't y'all forget about Southwestern University over in Georgetown. They scoff at Baylor's newfangledness, pointing to their lineage that stretches back to...wait for it...1840! Except, here's the twist: that was a different school altogether, called Rutersville College. Kind of like a dusty old family photo where you can't quite tell who's who.
The Plot Thickens Thicker Than Chili
Hold on to your Stetsons, folks, because University of Mary Hardin-Baylor throws its hat into the ring. They claim roots dating back to 1845 as well, though under a different name. It's like a game of Lone Star musical chairs, with institutions changing names and locations faster than you can say "yeehaw!"
So, Who Wins the Trophy (Made of Armadillo Shells, Obviously)?
Well, that depends on how you define "oldest." Baylor definitely holds the title for continuously operating university under its original charter. But if you consider historical lineages and pre-merger schools, then Southwestern and Mary Hardin-Baylor have a case.
The Verdict: It's a Texas-Sized Tie!
Truth is, there's no clear-cut winner. Each university has a fascinating history, and that's something to celebrate. So, the next time you're at a Texas trivia night and this question pops up, you can impress everyone with your knowledge of the Lone Star State's educational entanglement.
Bonus Round: Fun Facts That Didn't Make the Cut (Because We Needed More Room for Jokes)
- Texas A&M might not be the oldest, but it can brag about being the oldest public university in Texas. Gig 'em, Aggies!
- Students at these schools might not have had access to fancy laptops back in the day, but they probably had to dodge a tumbleweed or two on their way to class.
- The real winner here? Knowledge itself. And maybe whoever has the best line dancing moves.
This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
💡 Breath fresh Air with this Air Purifier with washable filter.
