Athens State University

Athens State College Historic District
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. Historic district
Founders Hall is a contributing property to the historic district
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Location	202--212 and 311 N. Beaty St., central campus area roughly bounded by Beaty, Pryor and Hobbs Sts., Athens, Alabama
Area	8.6 acres (3.5 ha)
Built	1842
Architect	Hiram Higgins
Architectural style	Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals, Greek Revival, Queen Anne
NRHP Reference #	85000254
Added to NRHP	February 14, 1985

Athens State University is a two-year upper level university located in Athens, Alabama, United States. Thirty-three different majors are offered to junior and senior students. The majors are housed in one of three colleges: Education, Arts and Sciences, and Business.

Athens State University began as the Athens Female Academy in 1822. The Methodist Church began oversight of the institution in 1842, changing the name to the Athens Female Institute. It became Athens Female College in 1889.

In 1931 the name was shortened to Athens College when it became coeducational. In 1974 Athens State became a public institution run by the state of Alabama, and the college became known as Athens State College. Later, in 1998, the college became Athens State University. Recently, Athens State has moved to an autonomous university status and has established a board of trustees.

The Athens State College Historic District was named to the National Register of Historic Places on February 14, 1985. It includes Founders Hall, which was built in 1842-1844. Founders Hall is individual listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage.