Historical Marker

Dr. Andrew Joseph Armstrong and Mary Maxwell Armstrong

Historical marker location:
710 Speight Ave, Waco, Texas
( at Armstrong Browning Library on Baylor University campus)
Marker installed: 2006
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Andrew Joseph Armstrong (1873-1954), a native of Kentucky, was a noted scholar of the life and works of English poet Robert Browning. He held teaching positions at several colleges and universities in the early 20th century and met his future wife, Mary Maxwell (1882-1971), in 1904, when both taught English at East Texas Baptist Institute in Rusk. In 1909, Dr. Armstrong traveled to Italy, where he met Robert W. Barrett "Pen" Browning, only son of Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Dr. Armstrong and Mary Maxwell married in 1911, and in 1912, they moved to Waco when he became chair of the Baylor English Department. Pen Browning died that year without leaving a will, and in 1913, Sotheby's in London auctioned his estate, including papers and belongings of his famous parents. Dr. Armstrong arranged for an agent to attend the auction and document the disposition of each item. Aided by his wife, he embarked on a decades-long quest to acquire those and other Browning items. Dr. Armstrong donated his Browning collection to Baylor University in 1918. The Armstrongs then employed varied fundraising efforts to continue building the collection, including leading educational tours and arranging for world-class scholars, writers and entertainers to visit the Baylor campus. Plans for a separate building for the growing collection began in the 1930s, but World War II intervened. Construction began in 1948 after the Armstrongs raised over a million dollars, and the Armstrong Browning Library formally opened in 1951. Dr. Armstrong served as director until his death in 1954, and Mary Armstrong was director from 1954 to 1959. They are buried in Waco's historic Oakwood Cemetery. (2006)

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

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The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
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McLennan County, located in central Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early Native American tribes who inhabited the area. The first European explorers and settlers arrived in the late 1600s, primarily Spanish explorers searching for new lands and resources in Texas. In the early 19th century, Anglo-American settlers began to arrive, and the area soon became part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas.

The county was officially established in 1850, named after Neil McLennan, a Scottish settler who played a significant role in the colonization of the region. The county's initial economy was primarily agricultural, with cotton, corn, and livestock becoming major industries. In 1870, the completion of the Waco Suspension Bridge, one of the first bridges to span the Brazos River, bolstered the county's growth and connected it to the expanding railroad network.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, McLennan County experienced periods of rapid growth and development. The city of Waco, the county seat, became a prosperous center for commerce, education, and culture. With the establishment of Baylor University in 1845 and the creation of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in 1968, Waco gained a reputation as an educational and historical hub. The county also played a significant role in the development of the Texas oil industry, as numerous oil fields were discovered and exploited in the early 20th century.

Despite its prosperous history, McLennan County faced challenges as well. It witnessed racial tensions and violence, particularly during the Civil Rights era. One of the county's most infamous events occurred in 1993 when an armed standoff between federal agents and the Branch Davidians religious sect resulted in a tragic fire at their compound near Waco, leaving many dead. However, the county has shown resilience, with ongoing efforts to address social issues and promote economic development, making it a vibrant and evolving community.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of McLennan County, Texas.

  • 1837 - McLennan County is established as a county of the Republic of Texas
  • 1849 - Waco, the county seat, is founded
  • 1860s - McLennan County experiences rapid growth with the expansion of the cattle industry and arrival of the railroad
  • 1874 - Baylor University is relocated to Waco
  • 1886 - The Texas Cotton Palace Exposition is held in Waco to showcase the county's cotton industry
  • 1916 - A tornado devastates downtown Waco, causing significant damage and loss of life
  • 1930s - McLennan County suffers during the Great Depression, but also sees some economic improvements through New Deal programs
  • 1951 - The Waco VA Hospital is established, providing medical care for veterans
  • 1993 - The Branch Davidian standoff occurs in Waco, resulting in a tragic fire and loss of life
  • 2015 - McLennan County celebrates its 150th anniversary