The Buildings of Sam Houston State University
Welcome
The Buildings of Sam Houston State University documents the changes of the SHSU campus in Huntsville, Texas, from its inception in 1879 through yesterday morning.
About Huntsville
Huntsville is in the piney woods of East Texas between Dallas and Houston. It is the seat of Walker County and was founded in 1836 by residents Pleasant and Ephraim Gray.
About Sam Houston
Sam Houston State University honors Samuel Houston (1793-1863), a President of the Republic of Texas, Governor of the States of Texas and Tennessee, U.S. Senator, and Tennessee congressman.
About SHSU
SHSU opened on October 10, 1879, as Sam Houston Normal Institute, the first teacher training school in the southwestern United States. In its 140 years, SHSU has become a leader in academics, athletics, service, and research.
Austin Hall is the oldest building west of the Mississippi River used continuously by an educational institution. It was the original building of Austin College and has served Huntsville since 1852.
The Peabody Memorial Library is the first separate college library building in Texas. It is the university's oldest extant building constructed after its founding in 1879.
The sixth permanent structure at SHNI was the science building. Today the Marks Administration Building houses the president's office.
The university's second library is now home to various administrative offices. The Estill Building still carries the name of the longest-serving SHSU president.