Howard Payne began in 1889 when Baptists of the Pecan Valley Association resolved to put a college in Brownwood, and it took its name from the donor who made the first building possible. The walk starts among a cluster of historical markers honoring the ministers who dreamed up the school, the benefactress who kept it growing, and a pair of students who briefly ruled the pop charts. It then heads a few blocks southeast to the old Daniel Baker College campus, which Howard Payne absorbed in 1953 and which now houses its MacArthur memorial and honors academy.
The Memorial Bell Towers on the Howard Payne campus in Brownwood. Photo: Revesq at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
What you'll see
Howard Payne University's history includes frontier Baptist ambition, local generosity and an unexpected pop-music hit. In 1889 the Pecan Valley Baptist Association voted to establish a college, and Brownwood was chosen as the site. Pastor J. D. Robnett led fundraising, and a large gift from his brother-in-law, Edward Howard Payne, gave the school its name.
Several state historical markers tell those stories, and one is about a much later chapter. Students Ray Hildebrand and Jill Jackson met at Howard Payne and, recording as Paul and Paula, took the duet "Hey Paula" to No. 1 in 1963. The Old Main Tower was built in 2001 as a memorial to the main building, which burned in 1984, so that its silhouette would remain part of the campus.
Brownwood once had a second church college, Presbyterian Daniel Baker College, which merged with Howard Payne in 1953. Its main building now houses the Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom, with a statue of the general and items from his career, and it reopened in 2023 after renovation. It's a worthwhile hour for anyone who likes Texas history told through people.
Watch: Howard Payne University
Where it starts
The tour begins in Brownwood. Open Texas Roam to follow the full route stop by stop, with directions and audio narration as you go.
How long is the Howard Payne University Campus Tour?
It is a self-guided walking tour: 9 stops, about 1.3 miles, ~1 hour. Go at your own pace; the app keeps your place.
Where does it start?
In Brownwood, Texas. The exact starting point, the full stop list and turn-by-turn directions are in the TexasRoam app.
How do I take this tour?
Download TexasRoam for iPhone or iPad from the App Store. The tour is included with TexasRoam+. It is not available on the web map.
When is the best time to go?
Walk in daylight on a weekday; the Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom welcomes small groups for self-guided visits by arrangement, so contact the university ahead of time if you want to go inside.
Take the “Howard Payne University Campus Tour”
Texas Roam guides you turn by turn through Brownwood with maps, audio narration and check-ins as you go — plus all 9 stops on this tour and every guided tour, hiking trail and historical marker across Texas. Get it on the App Store.
Guided tours & hiking trails are available only in the TexasRoam app for iPhone & iPad — not on the web map. Free to download; unlock with TexasRoam+.
