Main Building, Southwest Texas Normal School
a.k.a. Old Main,Southwest Texas State University
Old Main St., Southwest Texas State University campus, San Marcos, TXAmong the many fine buildings of the state, the old Main Building erected for the Southwest Texas Normal School stands out. The design is Victorian Gothic, with steep gables, arched windows, dormers, and roof finials. The setting is particularly lovely. "Old Main" occupies Chautauqua Hill, and its distinctive outline is visible for miles.
In 1899, the Texas Legislature established the university-to-be as a "normal" school, a teachers' college. It would be located on a hilly, 11-acre tract given by the city, that since 1885 had hosted educational and inspirational meetings. The property became available with the Chautauqua's collapse. Edward Northcraft, a local professional of considerable talent, was chosen as the architect for the school's first building. The cornerstone was laid on April 28, 1902. It opened in 1903 with a faculty of 17 and an enrollment of 303 but grew rapidly in size and prestige. Nineteen-fifteen saw its status elevated to junior college. In 1918, Southwest Texas became a full, four-year college; in 1936, it opened a graduate school. Finally, in 1969, the name was changed to Southwest Texas State University. Among its many graduates was Lyndon B. Johnson, in 1930. Present enrollment is over 15,000.
Today, Old Main houses the ROTC and Journalism Departments. An extensive restoration program is being planned.
In 1899, the Texas Legislature established the university-to-be as a "normal" school, a teachers' college. It would be located on a hilly, 11-acre tract given by the city, that since 1885 had hosted educational and inspirational meetings. The property became available with the Chautauqua's collapse. Edward Northcraft, a local professional of considerable talent, was chosen as the architect for the school's first building. The cornerstone was laid on April 28, 1902. It opened in 1903 with a faculty of 17 and an enrollment of 303 but grew rapidly in size and prestige. Nineteen-fifteen saw its status elevated to junior college. In 1918, Southwest Texas became a full, four-year college; in 1936, it opened a graduate school. Finally, in 1969, the name was changed to Southwest Texas State University. Among its many graduates was Lyndon B. Johnson, in 1930. Present enrollment is over 15,000.
Today, Old Main houses the ROTC and Journalism Departments. An extensive restoration program is being planned.
Bibliography
Historical Markers in Hays County 1907-1976, p. 45.
Texas Democrat, April 28, 1902.
Annie Hall, The History of Hays County, Texas, plate VII.
"Background on Old Main," press release from University News Service, 1972. The Pedagogue, yearbook published by Southwest Texas Normal School and Southwest Texas State College. 1905 and 1916 editions.
Texas Democrat, April 28, 1902.
Annie Hall, The History of Hays County, Texas, plate VII.
"Background on Old Main," press release from University News Service, 1972. The Pedagogue, yearbook published by Southwest Texas Normal School and Southwest Texas State College. 1905 and 1916 editions.
Education; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
About Hays County
Hays County Timeline
Hays County, located in the central part of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Tonkawa and Comanche peoples. However, the first recorded European arrival in the region occurred in 1690 when Spanish explorers made their way through the area.
In the early 1800s, Anglo-American settlers began to establish permanent settlements in what is now Hays County. One of the most notable figures in the county's history is Captain John Coffee "Jack" Hays, a Texas Ranger who played a significant role in fighting against Native American raids in the region. As a result of his contributions, the county was renamed in his honor in 1848.
During the mid-1800s, Hays County experienced rapid growth and development, fueled by the arrival of the railroad in the region. The county became an important hub for agriculture, with cotton and cattle as the main industries. The county seat, San Marcos, played a key role in the growth of education in the area, becoming home to Southwest Texas State Normal School (now Texas State University) in 1899.
In the 20th century, Hays County continued to evolve and modernize. The population increased steadily as more people were attracted to the area’s natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and proximity to Austin. Today, Hays County remains a vibrant and growing community, serving as a bridge between the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country and the urban amenities of nearby metropolitan areas.
In the early 1800s, Anglo-American settlers began to establish permanent settlements in what is now Hays County. One of the most notable figures in the county's history is Captain John Coffee "Jack" Hays, a Texas Ranger who played a significant role in fighting against Native American raids in the region. As a result of his contributions, the county was renamed in his honor in 1848.
During the mid-1800s, Hays County experienced rapid growth and development, fueled by the arrival of the railroad in the region. The county became an important hub for agriculture, with cotton and cattle as the main industries. The county seat, San Marcos, played a key role in the growth of education in the area, becoming home to Southwest Texas State Normal School (now Texas State University) in 1899.
In the 20th century, Hays County continued to evolve and modernize. The population increased steadily as more people were attracted to the area’s natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and proximity to Austin. Today, Hays County remains a vibrant and growing community, serving as a bridge between the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country and the urban amenities of nearby metropolitan areas.
Hays County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Hays County, Texas.
- 1837: Hays County is officially established as a county when the Republic of Texas is formed.
- 1848: The county seat is established in the town of San Marcos.
- 1856: A charter is granted to create the Hays County Agricultural, Manufacturing, and Mechanical Association.
- 1861: With the outbreak of the Civil War, many men from Hays County volunteer for service in the Confederate Army.
- 1881: The International-Great Northern Railroad is completed, connecting San Marcos to Austin and San Antonio.
- 1903: Southwest Texas State Normal School (now known as Texas State University) is established in San Marcos.
- 1938: The Blanco River floods, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure in Hays County.
- 1996: The Hays County Courthouse, built in 1909, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
- 2015: The county experiences widespread flooding from heavy rains, resulting in several deaths and extensive property damage.