Historical Marker

George W. Carroll Science Hall

Marker installed: 2009
Marker size: 27" x 42"

GEORGE W. CARROLL SCIENCE HALL

CARROLL SCIENCE HALL WAS NAMED IN HONOR OF BUSINESSMAN AND PHILANTHROPIST GEORGE WASHINGTON CARROLL, WHO GAVE TWO SEPARATE DONATIONS OF $60,000 AND $15,000 TO BAYLOR UNIVERSITY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A HALL DEVOTED TO SCIENCE. IN 1902, THE UNIVERSITY’S SENIOR CLASS “AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED” THE YEARBOOK TO CARROLL, IN RECOGNITION OF HIS DONATION.

COMPLETED IN 1903, CARROLL SCIENCE HALL BOASTED THREE FLOORS AND A BASEMENT CONTAINING LABORATORIES AND CLASSROOMS FOR THE INSTRUCTION OF CHEMISTRY, PHYSICS, BIOLOGY, GEOLOGY AND ASTRONOMY, AS WELL AS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES. THE BASEMENT SERVED AS ONE OF THE MANY HOMES OF BAYLOR’S MUSEUM. DESIGNED BY ARCHITECT S. WEMYSS SMITH, THE BEAUX ARTS STYLE BUILDING FEATURES LARGE RUSTICATED LIMESTONE BLOCKS WITH BEADED MORTAR JOINTS IN THE FIRST STORY AND BASEMENT, WHILE THE UPPER BRICK FLOORS MINGLE WITH LIMESTONE STRING COURSES, LINTELS AND SILLS. THE FRONT ENTRANCE INCLUDES FOUR IONIC COLUMNS ABOVE AN ENTRY PAVILION, WHILE THE REAR OF THE RECTANGULAR PLAN BUILDING HAS A PROMINENT ROUNDED EXTENSION.

AS BAYLOR EXPANDED DURING THE TWENTIETH CENTURY, CONSTRUCTION OF THE SID RICHARDSON SCIENCE BUILDING AND THE GOEBEL SCIENCE BUILDING IN THE 1960s LEFT CARROLL SCIENCE HALL WITHOUT ITS ORIGINAL PURPOSE. HOWEVER, A SERIES OF MAJOR INTERIOR RENOVATIONS BEGUN IN THE MID-1970s AND COMPLETED IN THE EARLY 1980s CHANGED LABORATORIES AND OTHER OUTDATED FACILITIES INTO TRADITIONAL CLASSROOMS, WHILE ADDING ESSENTIAL NECESSITIES SUCH AS CENTRAL HEAT AND AIR CONDITIONING. ALTHOUGH THE BUILDING IS NOW THE HOME OF THE UNIVERSITY’S DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH, IT RETAINS ITS ORIGINAL NAME, FIRMLY ROOTING IT IN THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS OF BAYLOR UNIVERSITY.

RECORDED TEXAS HISTORIC LANDMARK – 2009

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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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