Little Campus

Little Campus is a historic district on the University of Texas campus featuring two surviving buildings from the 1800s: the Arno Nowotny Building and John W. Hargis Hall, both displaying Italianate architectural details. These structures represent remnants of an earlier era and show the visual character of that period.

The site opened in 1856 as a school for the blind and later served as a military training area during the Civil War and World War I. This shifting use shows how the location changed from a social institution to military purposes before becoming part of the university.

The district was renamed in 1987 to honor Heman Marion Sweatt, who made substantial contributions to civil rights litigation regarding educational access.

The district sits centrally on campus and is easy to reach from several directions on foot. The two main buildings are clearly visible and surrounded by walkways that make navigation straightforward.

The property transformed from an asylum to a military training ground during World War I before becoming part of the University of Texas at Austin.

Location: Austin

Architectural style: Italianate architecture

Address: Bounded by 18th, Oldham, 19th, and Red River Sts.

GPS coordinates: 30.27833,-97.73139

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:40