The Presbyterian Church established Austin College in Huntsville in 1849 and erected this building in 1851-52. Austin College moved to Sherman in 1876, and in 1879 the building was deeded to the state for use by the newly established Sam Houston Normal Institute, now Sam Houston State University. The Greek Revival-era building features a three-bay front facade, two-story portico, and Doric columns. A third floor added in 1882 was removed in 1926-27.