Look closely at the UT Administration Building. This majestic structure wasn’t always here. Before its iconic presence graced the Austin skyline it was a grassy hill. In 1883 the University of Texas first opened its doors. Classes began in the temporary Capitol building. Think of it 221 students eight professors all learning in temporary quarters.
The original forty acres were donated by the state of Texas. A temporary home was needed. Old Main a Victorian-Gothic building soon became the campus’s central point. It served every purpose imaginable classrooms library offices everything. Old Main stood proudly for years. Yet progress brought about change.
By the 1930s a need for more space was evident. Discussions arose about the limitations of Old Main. It was demolished in 1934. Many students and faculty protested the decision. However the future was in sight.
Paul Philippe Cret’s design replaced Old Main. His plan incorporated the Main Building a new campus centerpiece. The UT Tower became a defining symbol of the university. Its construction used materials from around the world. Indiana limestone formed its walls. Red roof tiles hailed from Spain. Marble came from across the USA. Even bricks from Old Main found their way into some interior walls.
The UT Tower’s opening in 1937 was a momentous occasion. It housed university administration and a library. Grand reading rooms surrounded the library stacks within the tower. The evening of October 19 marked the first time the tower was illuminated. The Austin American-Statesman reported it was visible from nearby towns. A beacon of knowledge.
The tower has also been a site of tragedy. The 1966 massacre changed its history forever. On August 1 1966 a student opened fire. Fifteen people lost their lives. Thirty-one others suffered injuries. The event remains a grim reminder. The tower’s observation deck closed for a time afterward reopening in 1999 after safety upgrades.
The UT Tower continues to stand tall. It is a testament to the university’s rich history. It reflects both triumphs and tragedies. The UT Tower continues to evolve a symbol of knowledge resilience and growth. It stands as a landmark a reminder of all that has happened and of the future of the University of Texas at Austin.