On this site stood the Female Department of Baylor University incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Texas, February 1, 1845; Henry L. Graves, first president, was elected January 12, 1846; Preparatory Department for Boys and Girls was opened May 18, 1846 with H. F. Gillett as teacher; Rufus C. 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