Established in 1881 under the leadership of Dr. John Van Epps Covey, founder of three Texas colleges, McMullen College was aided by civic leaders S.F. Dixon, Dr. M.W.C. Frazier, C.F.H. Hiers, R.W. Johnson, M.F. Lowe, and L. Wheeler. A 3-acre site was bought from James Lowe, S.D. Frazier constructed the building, and funds were raised by subscription to cover initial costs. During the first year, Dr. Covey, his wife, and the Rev. Woodlief Thomas taught there. The college was planned to accommodate 100 students, and its curriculum included spelling, mathematics, geography, surveying, bookkeeping, logic, history, reading, Latin, and other liberal arts courses. In September 1897, after 16 years of service, the college ended its career. Its building was then turned over to the trustees of the newly organized Tilden School District and used as a public school until January 1926, when a new structure replaced it. Like many early Texas schools founded by dedicated civic groups eager to offer young Texans a sound education, it had primitive facilities, faced repeated financial crises, and held to ideals it was never able to attain.