Site of Texas Wesleyan College
Austin, Travis County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Founded by Swedish Methodists, with leadership and guidance from the Rev. O. E. Olander, Texas Wesleyan College opened in 1912. Numerous academic courses were offered in the school sponsored athletic teams, a newspaper, and music, and literary clubs. It was closed in 1940, in the 21-acre site and buildings were sold to the University of Texas. The funds were transferred to Texas Woman’s College in Fort Worth (later renamed Texas Wesleyan College) and the Texas Wesleyan foundation, which provided hundreds of scholarships to Texas students of Swedish heritage. (1989)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Founded by Swedish Methodists under the Rev. O. E. Olander, Texas Wesleyan College opened here in 1912, offering academics, athletics, a newspaper, and music and literary clubs. When it closed in 1940, its 21-acre campus was sold to the University of Texas, and its endowment endured through a foundation that funded scholarships for students of Swedish heritage.
Why it matters
The college reflects how immigrant religious communities planted their own institutions of higher learning across America, leaving a legacy of scholarship long after the doors closed.
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Related people
- · O. E. Olander
Themes & tags
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