Dallas Hall (SMU)
Dallas, Dallas County, Texas
Marker Inscription
DALLAS HALL, SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY When Dallas was selected in 1911 as the site for a new Methodist university, local citizens pledged 622.5 acres of land and $300,000. In appreciation, the first building on campus was named Dallas Hall. SMU President Robert S. Hyer chose the Chicago Branch of Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge to design the Hall. Influenced by Thomas Jefferson's plan for the University of Virginia, it opened in 1915 and for a decade housed all classrooms, university offices, the chapel and the library. RTHL - 1979
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
When Dallas was chosen in 1911 as the home of a new Methodist university, local citizens pledged land and money, and in gratitude the first building on campus was named Dallas Hall. Designed by the Chicago branch of Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge and inspired by Thomas Jefferson's University of Virginia, it opened in 1915 holding every classroom, office, chapel, and the library under one roof. It remains the architectural and symbolic heart of Southern Methodist University.
Why it matters
Dallas Hall marks the founding of a major university and the civic ambition of a city determined to become a center of learning.
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Related people
- · Robert S. Hyer
Themes & tags
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