Alabama State University Historic District facts for kids
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Alabama State University Historic District
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Bibb Graves Hall, built in 1928
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 Location in Montgomery, Alabama
Location in Alabama
Location in the United States
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| Location | 915 S. Jackson Street Montgomery, Alabama |
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| Area | 26 acres (11 ha) |
| Architect | Warren, Knight, & Davis |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 98001228 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 8, 1998 |
The Alabama State University Historic District is a special area on the campus of Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama. This historic district covers about 26 acres (10.5 hectares). It is home to eighteen important buildings. Many of these buildings are designed in the Colonial Revival style. This style looks like older American colonial homes.
This special district was recognized for its history. It was added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage on August 25, 1994. Later, it was also placed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 8, 1998.
Contents
History of Alabama State University
The story of Alabama State University began in 1867. A group of nine former slaves started a school. Their names were Joey Pinch, Thomas Speed, Nickolas Dale, James Childs, Thomas Lee, John Freeman, Nathan Levert, David Harris, and Alexander H. Curtis. They wanted to create a school for African Americans in Marion, Alabama.
Early Years and Moves
This first school was called the Lincoln Normal School. It was the start of what would become a university. In 1873, the Alabama Legislature officially created the State Normal School and University. This new school was for educating African American teachers and students.
The school moved to Montgomery in 1887. It was then called the Alabama Colored Peoples University. Classes first took place at Beulah Baptist Church. In 1889, the name changed again to State Normal School of Colored Students. This happened after some discussions about state funding.
Building the Campus
Land for a permanent campus was bought in 1889. This is where the university stands today. The first permanent building was Tullibody Hall. It was made of wood and built in 1890. Sadly, this building burned down in 1904. A new Tullibody Hall was built with bricks in 1906.
After the first president, William Burns Paterson, passed away in 1915, the school changed. It became a four-year teacher training high school and a junior college. In the 1920s, more land was purchased. The state also provided money for new dormitories and dining areas.
Becoming a University
The school became a full four-year institution in 1928. Its name changed to State Teachers College in 1929. In 1931, the school gave out its first bachelor's degree in teacher education. Most of the buildings in the historic district were built during this time. They were constructed between 1916 and 1945.
The university's name changed a few more times over the years. In 1948, it became Alabama State College for Negroes. Then, in 1954, it was Alabama State College. Finally, in 1969, it became Alabama State University, which is its name today.
