The classic Sand Hills cottage was the summer home of Freeman Walker, a U.S. senator and the first mayor of Augusta. His estate, called Belle-Vue (beautiful vista), was sold to the federal government in 1826 for an Army arsenal. It is the only remaining structure that predates the arsenal.

The three-story brick building of modified Georgian architecture served originally as a military storehouse and later as the headquarters building. In its earliest days, Army prisoners were housed in a room located beneath the basement. It is named in honor of Capt. Matthew M. Payne who was responsible for relocating the arsenal from its Savannah River site to this “hill” location. Today it houses academic affairs, academic and architectural planning, and the offices of financial aid, veterans affairs, and the registrar.

Designated as a National Historic Landmark, the beautiful white-columned building served as living quarters for arsenal commandants. It is named in honor of Col. J. Walker Benet, commandant from 1911-1919 and father of Pulitzer Prize poets Stephen Vincent and William Rose Benet. Today the building houses the Admissions Office.

The building, which today houses university business offices, has had several functions over the years. Originally, it housed bachelor officers and enlisted men, but at other times it held a mess hall and hospital clinic. It honors Major A.C.W. Fanning, commandant from 1827 through 1832.

Originally, the white-columned, two-story building housed the second-in-command of the arsenal. It is named in honor of Col. George Washington Rains, Confederate commandant, and later, regent of the Academy of Richmond County, the parent institution of Augusta State. Today, the building houses the university president and public relations and publications.

The stately two-story home of former Georgia Supreme Court Justice Boykin Wright was a gift to the university from Marguerite Wright Hillman in memory of her father. A smaller building that served as the caretaker’s residence is used as a costume shop for the theatre.

The former home of furniture magnate Jefferson Maxwell was donated to the university by his estate. Designed by famed architect T.E. Wendell, the house features three of the famed mantels that are the distinguishing hallmark of the architect. It houses alumni affairs and development.

The building has been called the College Activities Center and University Center, and in 1997, it was named Washington Hall to honor two prominent local educators, the late Dr. Justine and the late Dr. I.E. Washington. An attached veranda provides an outside area for students. The towers were part of a 1941 optical shop.

This building, constructed at the same time as the Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre, was the first to be built on campus specifically for academic use. It houses classrooms and offices for the music and art programs.

This 736-seat theatre serves as the cultural hub of the community and campus. The building is named in honor of Grover C. Maxwell, a founder of Maxwell Brothers Furniture.

The three-story Reese Library, designed to hold 400,000 volumes, has a seating capacity of 1,000 and until recent times was the largest building on campus. It honors Dr. and Mrs. John T. Reese, parents of alumna Katherine Reese Pamplin.

The building that anchors the physical education/athletic complex on Wrightsboro Road was renamed Christenberry Fieldhouse in 2003 to honor former Augusta College president George A. Christenberry. It contains three classrooms, a human physiology lab, a weight room, a multipurpose room, a four-lane indoor walking track, a training room, locker facilities, and basketball courts. The athletic complex also includes playing fields and practice fields for baseball, softball, and intramurals.

The 123,000 square foot building cost about $20 million to construct and is named in honor of alumnus Thomas F. Allgood, Sr., a former state senator and regent of the University System of Georgia, and his wife , “T”.

This $22 million, 113,000 square-foot building holds 31 classrooms, two computer labs, student areas, the College of Education, the Department of Nursing, the Writing Center, Media Services, and Information Technology Services.

One acre was reserved as a cemetery for the Walker family when the U.S. government purchased the property in 1826. An acre was set aside later to be used as a military cemetery, and it holds the graves of 74 persons. Notice the difference in headstones between the two cemeteries.

The $2 million project includes a decorative walkway with rest areas and displays that chronicle the history of the university, Augusta Arsenal, and our historic neighborhoods. It was funded through Transportation Enhancement Activity grants from the Georgia Department of Transportation with assistance by the university and the city of Augusta.