515 N. Mound (Old University Building)

For additional information, see Mr. Robert Z. Selden's Washington Square mapping project.

Texas Independence Day Celebration Photograph by Perky Beisel, March 2, 2012

Nacogdoches University Building in 1890, Photograph Collection, ETRC.
Crowd in front of the Nacogdoches University in 1890, Photograph Collection, ETRC.
In 1936, the Historic American Buildings Survey documented this structure. Those records (description and photograph) are available through the Library of Congress.
Click here for the 2011 survey form.

Address: 400-600 N. Mound (NR, 1971)
Date: 1859
Category: Contributing
Block: 3
Lot: I-A
Site No.: B
Description: 2-story brick masonry with load-bearing walls; rectangular plan; entry has 2-story portico with entablature, 4 colossal Doric columns; 3 bays on main facade are defined by 4/4 light double-hung windows and double door entry with side lights and transom and four brick pilasters; east and west facades have similar facades; the 6 bays defined by windows and pilasters; cedar shingle roof pierced by corbeled brick chimney and frame belvedere topped by pineapple finial; newer masonry load-bearing addition at rear; north facade has 6/6 light double-hung windows.
Significance: Nacogdoches University was chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas, and in 1855 roughly 2 acres was donated by Haden Edwards, Charles S. Taylor, and J. R. Arnold for the university building and called Washington Square. The building was erected in 1859 made of red hand-made bricks and designed by Mr. Howard of Henderson in a modified Grecian style. The building served as a hospital during the Civil War and as a barrack for Confederate troops. It was used as a part of Nacogdoches High School until the 1930s. Restored in 1960, the building is currently operated by the Federated Women's Club as a museum.

Address: 0000 Washington Square, N. Church
Name: Old Nacogdoches University Building
Date: 1859
Block: 3
Lot: 1
Condition: Good; alteration at rear
Description: 2-story brick masonry w/ load-bearing walls; rectangular plan; entry has 2-story portico w/ entablature, 4 colossal Doric columns; 3 bays on main facade are defined by 4/4 light double-hung windows & double door entry w/ side lights & transom & four brick pilasters; east & west facades have similar facades; the 6 bays defined by windows & pilasters; cedar shingle roof pierced by corbeled brick chimney and frame belvedere topped by pineapple finial; newer masonry load-bearing addition at rear; north facade has 6/6 light double-hung
Significance: Listed on the National Register (1971) and as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. Has HABS drawings.

Stephen F. Austin State University