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Dallas Hall Plaque

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Imagine Dallas Hall standing alone on a flat prairie. It was a monumental sight. This is the story of Dallas Hall Plaque.

In 1911, Dallas was chosen for a new Methodist university. Local citizens pledged 622.5 acres of land and $300,000. The first building was named Dallas Hall in appreciation.

Robert S. Hyer, SMU’s President, selected Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge to design Dallas Hall. They were from the Chicago branch. Hyer was influenced by Thomas Jefferson’s design for the University of Virginia. The building’s architecture was also inspired by the Roman Pantheon.

Construction started in 1912. The cornerstone was laid on November 28, 1912. Dallas Hall was dedicated in 1915. It became the first building on the campus. The location was one of the highest points in Dallas County. This gave rise to SMU’s nickname “The Hilltop”.

The building was oriented to align with the Praetorian Building. At the time, that was the tallest building in Dallas. Dallas Hall is three stories tall and made of brick.

For a decade, Dallas Hall housed all classrooms and university offices. It also contained the chapel and the library. Over the years, it has housed a hamburger grill and a barbershop. Even a post office found its place here.

The SMU campus has expanded around Dallas Hall. Yet, it remains the heart of the university. Dallas Hall is used for convocations and graduations.

Dallas Hall celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2015. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. A Recorded Texas Historic Landmark followed in 1979.

The Dallas Hall Plaque marks this historic spot. It stands as a testament to the vision and generosity that founded SMU. It reminds us of the enduring legacy of Dallas Hall. All freshman pass through Dallas Hall as they begin their college career at SMU.

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