Southwestern University traces its lineage to four Methodist colleges chartered in the days of the Republic and early statehood, merged into one school that settled in Georgetown in 1873. Its permanent campus rose on the east side of town at the close of the 1890s around a hand-cut limestone administration building that still anchors the grounds. This walk begins at the state marker that tells the school's origin story, circles the Romanesque Cullen Building and its companion dormitory, and then follows the academic mall to the chapel, library, fine arts center, and a hilltop observatory. Expect a compact, level loop of about a mile and a half.
Southwestern University traces its lineage to four Methodist colleges chartered in the days of the Republic of Texas and early statehood, including Rutersville College in 1840. Those struggling pioneer schools were folded into a single university that opened in Georgetown in 1873, and this walk explores the limestone campus that grew up around it.
The centerpiece is the Hugh Roy and Lillie Cullen Building, a Richardsonian Romanesque hall finished in 1900 with thick rusticated walls laid by masons who had worked on the Texas Capitol. It once held the chapel, library, classrooms and offices under one roof. Next door, Mood-Bridwell Hall served as barracks for military training programs in both world wars, and the two stone buildings were listed on the National Register of Historic Places together in 1975.
From there the campus opens onto its semicircular academic mall, where older stone halls and newer buildings face each other across the lawn. Lois Perkins Chapel, dedicated in 1950, is the university's main worship space and a favorite wedding venue, with an Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ and stained glass honoring leaders of the Reformation and Methodism. Even the quieter stops have stories: the library's core dates to 1939 and was financed partly with a federal grant that Congressman Lyndon Johnson helped secure.
For history buffs, architecture fans and families visiting Georgetown, it is an easy, level loop through one of the oldest college stories in Texas.
How long is the Southwestern University Campus Tour?
It is a self-guided walking tour: 8 stops, about 1.3 miles, ~1 hour. Go at your own pace; the app keeps your place.
Where does it start?
In Georgetown, Texas. The exact starting point, the full stop list and turn-by-turn directions are in the TexasRoam app.
How do I take this tour?
Download TexasRoam for iPhone or iPad from the App Store. The tour is included with TexasRoam+. It is not available on the web map.
When is the best time to go?
Daylight hours; building interiors follow university hours, and the observatory's occasional public open houses are posted on the university calendar.
Take the “Southwestern University Campus Tour”
Texas Roam guides you turn by turn through Georgetown with maps, audio narration and check-ins as you go — plus all 8 stops on this tour and every guided tour, hiking trail and historical marker across Texas. Get it on the App Store.
Guided tours & hiking trails are available only in the TexasRoam app for iPhone & iPad — not on the web map. Free to download; unlock with TexasRoam+.
