Second Trinity University Campus
1200 blk. of Sycamore, Waxahachie, TXThe Second Trinity University Campus (1902-1942) stands as an important architectural and educational landmark in Waxahachie. The school relocated from Tehuacana, Limestone County, Texas just after the turn of the century. The cornerstone for the Administration Building was laid in March 1902, and for the next four decades the school, a Presbyterian-supported institution, operated in Waxahachie. Trinity, along with the town, prospered during the early years of the twentieth century. However, the depressed economic conditions of the 1930s resulted in a significant drop in enrollment at the school. The lack of revenue from tuition caused severe financial troubles, and by 1942 church and school officials decided to move the institution to San Antonio.
Soon after Trinity University abandoned its facilities in Waxahachie, the Southwest Bible Institute, later to become the Southwestern Assemblies of God College, purchased the campus and continues in operation.
Local significance of the district:
Soon after Trinity University abandoned its facilities in Waxahachie, the Southwest Bible Institute, later to become the Southwestern Assemblies of God College, purchased the campus and continues in operation.
Education; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The Battle of San Jacinto fought on April 21, 1836, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, and led to the capture of Santa Anna and the end of the conflict.
About Ellis County
Ellis County Timeline
Ellis County, located in the state of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. The county was established on December 20, 1849, and was named after Richard Ellis, president of the convention that declared Texas' independence from Mexico.
The area that is now Ellis County was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Comanche. However, in the mid-1830s, European settlers began to arrive and establish homesteads in the region. These settlers were drawn to the fertile land and opportunities for farming and ranching.
During the Civil War, Ellis County was deeply divided, with residents supporting both the Union and the Confederacy. The county was the site of several skirmishes and raids, and endured a significant amount of destruction as a result. After the war, Ellis County began to rebuild and experienced a period of growth and development.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ellis County saw the rise of industries such as cotton farming, cattle ranching, and oil production. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further fueled the county's economic growth. Today, Ellis County remains an agricultural powerhouse, with a strong presence in the cotton and cattle industries, and is also home to a diverse range of businesses and thriving communities.
The area that is now Ellis County was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Comanche. However, in the mid-1830s, European settlers began to arrive and establish homesteads in the region. These settlers were drawn to the fertile land and opportunities for farming and ranching.
During the Civil War, Ellis County was deeply divided, with residents supporting both the Union and the Confederacy. The county was the site of several skirmishes and raids, and endured a significant amount of destruction as a result. After the war, Ellis County began to rebuild and experienced a period of growth and development.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ellis County saw the rise of industries such as cotton farming, cattle ranching, and oil production. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further fueled the county's economic growth. Today, Ellis County remains an agricultural powerhouse, with a strong presence in the cotton and cattle industries, and is also home to a diverse range of businesses and thriving communities.
Ellis County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Ellis County, Texas.
- 1849 - Ellis County is established from Navarro County.
- 1850 - Waxahachie is selected as the county seat.
- 1853 - The county courthouse is built.
- 1881 - The Texas Central Railroad reaches Waxahachie, boosting the local economy.
- 1883 - Southwestern Asylum for the Insane (now known as Terrell State Hospital) opens in Terrell, impacting the county's development.
- 1889 - A fire destroys the Ellis County courthouse.
- 1895 - A new courthouse is completed, designed by architect J. Riely Gordon.
- 1921 - An oil boom begins in Ellis County, leading to increased prosperity.
- 1934 - The Federal Correctional Institution is established in Seagoville.
- 1942 - The Naval Air Station is established in Waxahachie during World War II.
- 1969 - Navarro College opens a campus in Waxahachie.
- 1987 - Bluebonnet Festival debuts in Ennis, becoming an annual celebration.
- 2007 - Baylor Scott & White Medical Center opens in Waxahachie, providing advanced healthcare services to the county.