Austin Hall

Austin Hall

Sam Houston State University

"If you are visiting Huntsville, especially if you will be stopping at the Sam Houston Museum complex, do yourself a favor; walk across Sam Houston Avenue and visit the campus of Sam Houston State University. Not only gets my vote as one of the prettiest college campuses in the state of Texas, if not in the entire country, but also the site of several interesting things to see. (As a graduate of SHSU I will readily admit that I am somewhat biased!) Nevertheless, in very close proximity to the museum, and to each other, on the north end of the SHSU quadrangle are; Austin Hall (1851) – If I remember correctly, it is the oldest educational building in continuous use west of the Mississippi River, Old Main Memorial – preserved footprint and basement area of this 1890 beauty, which was lost to fire in 1982, the Peabody Memorial Library – Built in 1902 to recognize the philanthropic contributions of the Peabody Foundation to Sam Houston (Normal Institute) and to public education in the state of Texas, and the bronze statue of General Sam Houston. This statue, 110% of life size, was dedicated in 1979 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of SHSU. It was said to be the most accurate representation of Sam Houston in existence at that time. I hope you enjoy your visit to Huntsville and Sam Houston State University." - Stephen Rogers, Bellville, Texas, November 11, 2004

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