The University of Georgia (UGA) is home to a wide range of historic buildings, each with its own unique architectural style and story to tell. The construction of these buildings dates back to the early 19th century, with some of the oldest structures still standing today. In this article, we will explore the history of UGA's buildings and provide information on historic tours that are available to the public.
Early Years: 1800s
The first building to be constructed on the UGA campus was the Old College Building, which was built in 1806. This building served as the main academic building for the university and was designed in the Federal style. The Old College Building is still standing today and is one of the oldest buildings in the state of Georgia. Other notable buildings from this era include the Chapel, which was built in 1832, and the President’s House, which was constructed in 1859.
Historic Buildings of the 19th Century
Throughout the 19th century, UGA continued to expand and grow, with new buildings being constructed to accommodate the increasing student population. Some notable buildings from this era include the Phi Kappa Hall, which was built in 1832, and the Demosthenian Hall, which was constructed in 1824. These buildings are not only significant for their historical value but also for their architectural style, which reflects the Greek Revival and Italianate styles that were popular during this time period.
| Building | Year Built | Architectural Style |
|---|---|---|
| Old College Building | 1806 | Federal |
| Chapel | 1832 | Greek Revival |
| President's House | 1859 | Italianate |
| Phi Kappa Hall | 1832 | Greek Revival |
| Demosthenian Hall | 1824 | Federal |
20th Century Developments
In the 20th century, UGA continued to expand, with new buildings being constructed to accommodate the growing student population. Some notable buildings from this era include the Library Building, which was constructed in 1952, and the Student Union Building, which was built in 1965. These buildings reflect the Mid-Century Modern architectural style, which was popular during this time period.
Historic Tours
UGA offers historic tours of its campus, which provide visitors with a unique glimpse into the university’s history and architecture. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide information on the historic buildings, including their construction dates, architectural styles, and historical significance. Visitors can choose from a variety of tour options, including guided walking tours and self-guided tours.
Some popular historic tour destinations on the UGA campus include the North Campus, which is home to many of the university's oldest buildings, and the Chapel, which is a beautiful example of Greek Revival architecture. Visitors can also tour the President's House, which is a stunning example of Italianate architecture and provides a glimpse into the lives of UGA's past presidents.
- Guided walking tours: Available Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Self-guided tours: Available daily, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Tour duration: Approximately 1 hour
- Tour cost: Free, although donations are appreciated
What is the oldest building on the UGA campus?
+The oldest building on the UGA campus is the Old College Building, which was constructed in 1806.
Are the historic buildings on the UGA campus open to the public?
+Yes, many of the historic buildings on the UGA campus are open to the public and offer tours. However, some buildings may be restricted due to academic or administrative activities.
How long do the historic tours of the UGA campus last?
+The historic tours of the UGA campus typically last approximately 1 hour.
