First Building of Texas Woman's University

The Girls Industrial Institute and College of Texas was created in 1901. Fourteen cities offered sites. Denton was chosen February 5, 1902. The cornerstone of this building, the first on the campus, was laid on January 10, 1903. The architecture is neoclassical revival. Classes began on September 23, 1903, with 186 students and 14 faculty members. For years this was the only academic structure. Wings were added 1916. Used as administration building until 1956, this hall housed offices of presidents Cree T. Work, 1903-10; William B. Bizzell, 1910-14; Francis M. Bralley, 1914-24; Lindsey Blayney, 1925-26; Louis H. Hubbard, 1926-50; John A. Guinn, after 1950. By date this building was finished, "The Girls Industrial College" was official title of the school. Later (1905) it was renamed "The College of Industrial Arts"; "Texas State College for Women", 1934; "Texas Woman's University", 1957; and is the only university in the United States founded expressly for women. Enrollment on Denton, Dallas, and Houston campuses exceeded 6500 in 1973. This structure, central to life of the institution, now houses archives and documents of its history. (1974) Incise on back: Sponsored by the Past President's Council of the Texas Woman's University Alumnae Association

First Building of Texas Woman's University is a historical marker in Denton, Denton County, dedicated in 1974. It is one of 110 historical markers documented in Denton County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 174 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 33.2245, -97.1281 near Denton. The nearest cataloged historic site is Pioneer Woman (historical marker), about 0.1 miles away. Others within a short drive include University Gardens, Texas Woman's University, Ford, O'Neil, and Quakertown.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5121005333. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.