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Austin Hall

Austin Hall, the original building of Austin College, erected in 1851 and used continuously for educational purposes by Austin College to 1876, by a private academy from 1876 to 1879, and by Sam Houston State University from 1879.

The Presbyterian Church established Austin College in Huntsville in 1849 and erected this structure in 1851-52. Austin College moved to Sherman in 1876, and in 1879 this building was deeded to the state for use by the newly-established Sam Houston Normal Institute (now Sam Houston State University).  The Greek revival-era building features a three-bay front facade, two-story portico, and Doric columns. A third floor, added in 1882, was removed in 1926-27.

Images

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Austin College Building
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Interior shot of Austin Hall's main room
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Aerial view Source: Walker County Treasures
Austin College, between 1881 and 1889 Source: Walker County Treasures
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Location

Metadata

Texas Historical Marker, “Austin Hall,” East Texas History, accessed September 21, 2023, https://easttexashistory.org/items/show/225.