On this site stood the Female Department of Baylor University. It was incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Texas on February 1, 1845. Henry L. Graves, first president, was elected on January 12, 1846. A Preparatory Department for boys and girls was opened on May 18, 1846, with H. F. Gillett as teacher. Rufus Burleson became president in 1851. In 1886, when Baylor University moved to Waco and consolidated with Waco University, the Female Department moved to Belton and now bears the name of Mary Hardin - Baylor College.