BaylorBaylor at IndependenceCurrent Work in Independence

Current Work in Independence

The Texas Collection has been working to improve and maintain the facilities, grounds and ruins of Old Baylor at Independence as well as working with the Village of Independence to promote and preserve the rich and vibrant history of the birthplace of Baylor.

Current work The Texas Collection is undertaking in Independence:
  • Cooperation with the Independence Preservation Trust and the Independence Historical Society in local historic preservation projects and programming featuring Baylor faculty and staff members

  • Operate in cooperation with the Independence Historical Society and the Independence Visitor Center
Completed Projects
  • Geospatial Mapping of the Independence Cemeteries
  • Donation of library books to the Independence Historical Society
  • Research and filing for nomination of the Seward Plantation and village of Independence for listing on the National Register of Historic Places
  • Management of contract work by the Antique Rose Emporium on Windmill Hill and the addition of picnic equipment for public use
  • General support for Baylor academic units in their work in Independence environmental sciences and history
  • General support of Baylor Line Camps - summer freshmen orientation program by the Student Life Division. Read this Baylor Magazine article from 2009 that describes a student's Line Camp experience.
In Association with University of Mary Hardin Baylor
  • Columns at Academy Hill were strengthened with carbon and steel rods, and repointed with limestone cement.
  • Electricity was upgraded for Academy Hill, adding a new transformer, circuit breaker, wiring run underneath the road to the columns.
  • Trees and columns were up lighted.
  • Areas around the playground equipment were softened.
  • Restrooms were upgraded, added a new roof, painted the building inside and out, and improved toilet areas
  • Fencing was taken down around the columns and the old kitchen area to make the areas more accessible.
  • Old Baylor Rose bed (18 roses) was added to the Academy Hill property.
  • Heritage Live Oaks on Academy Hill were trimmed of deadwood and Ball Moss.

Antique Rose Emporium Sign