Old Baylor Park, Brenham

About Old Baylor Park

Old Baylor at Independence preserves the historic campuses of Baylor University, founded in 1845 in Independence, Texas, before the university relocated to Waco in 1886. Visitors explore two former campus sites: Academy Hill, the original female campus, and Windmill Hill, the male campus. The most prominent feature is the iconic ruins on Academy Hill—four massive stone columns that remain from the Female Edifice, a three-story academic building completed in 1856 with Sam Houston's endorsement. Windmill Hill contains the foundations and remnants of three stone buildings originally arranged around College Square, along with the historic College Well dug prior to Baylor's 1849 acquisition of the site. The Independence Visitor Center provides information about the properties. The Mayborn Museum maintains these historic sites in collaboration with partners. The grounds draw visitors during wildflower season and serve as a destination for Baylor University orientations and staff retreats. The site is located in Brenham, Texas.