Ashbel Smith Building
The Ashbel Smith Building, also known as Old Red, is a historic Romanesque Revival building in Galveston, Texas, and the first building of the University of Texas Medical Branch.
Last updated August 26, 2026
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Overview
The Ashbel Smith Building, commonly called Old Red, is a historic red-brick and sandstone structure in Galveston, Texas. Designed by architect Nicholas J. Clayton, it was completed in 1891 in the Romanesque Revival style and became the first building associated with the University of Texas Medical Branch. Its architecture, materials, and institutional history have made it one of Galveston's notable landmarks. The building was originally part of the developing medical and educational infrastructure of the University of Texas in Galveston. Its heavy masonry construction allowed it to withstand the catastrophic Galveston Hurricane of 1900, although the surrounding city suffered extensive destruction. The building's survival contributed to its later importance as a physical link to Galveston's pre-hurricane architectural and civic history. In 1949, the structure was named the Ashbel Smith Building in honor of Ashbel Smith, a Republic of Texas diplomat and a founder of the University of Texas System. Before receiving that name, it was widely associated with its distinctive red exterior and known as Old Red. The renaming connected the building to the political and educational history of Texas as well as to the medical branch it had helped establish. The building was recognized as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1969. It underwent renovation in 1985, reflecting efforts to preserve and adapt the historic structure. In 2008, Hurricane Ike caused major flooding in Galveston, and the Ashbel Smith Building was inundated by approximately six feet of water. Its survival through both the 1900 hurricane and the later Ike disaster underscores the continuing role of preservation and disaster recovery in maintaining the building. Unlike a commercial brand, the Ashbel Smith Building is best understood as a named historic landmark and institutional building. Its significance rests on its architectural design, association with the University of Texas Medical Branch, connection to Ashbel Smith and the University of Texas System, and survival through major Gulf Coast hurricanes.
History
The Ashbel Smith Building is a historic structure in Galveston, Texas, associated with the founding and development of the University of Texas Medical Branch. Completed in 1891, it was designed by Nicholas J. Clayton in the Romanesque Revival style. Its principal materials are red brick and sandstone, giving the building the appearance that led to its longstanding nickname, Old Red. The building served as the first University of Texas Medical Branch building and therefore occupies an important place in the institutional history of medical education in Texas. Its construction reflected the growth of Galveston as a major Texas port and civic center during the late nineteenth century. The structure's architectural character and institutional purpose distinguished it from ordinary commercial or residential buildings in the city. The Ashbel Smith Building became especially notable because it survived the Galveston Hurricane of 1900. That storm devastated much of the city, but the building was one of the few structures in Galveston to remain standing. Its survival helped preserve a direct physical connection to the city's pre-1900 urban landscape. In 1949, the building was renamed for Ashbel Smith, a diplomat of the Republic of Texas and a founder of the University of Texas System. The name linked the structure to the broader political and educational history of Texas. It continued to be known informally as Old Red because of its distinctive masonry appearance. Preservation recognition followed in the twentieth century. In 1969, the building was registered as a Texas Historical Landmark. A renovation was completed in 1985, helping maintain the historic structure while supporting its continued institutional significance. The building later faced another severe test when Hurricane Ike struck Galveston in 2008. Floodwaters reached approximately six feet inside the building, causing substantial exposure to storm damage. Today, the Ashbel Smith Building is primarily significant as an architectural landmark, a surviving part of Galveston's historic built environment, and an early symbol of the University of Texas Medical Branch. It is not a conventional consumer or corporate brand; its identity derives from its historic name, architectural form, institutional associations, and resilience during major hurricanes.
- 2008
Hurricane Ike flooding
[1]Hurricane Ike flooded the building with approximately six feet of water.
- 1985
Renovation
[1]The historic building underwent renovation.
- 1969
Texas Historical Landmark recognition
[1]The Ashbel Smith Building was registered as a Texas Historical Landmark.
- 1949
Renamed for Ashbel Smith
[1]The building received its current formal name in honor of Ashbel Smith.
- 1900
Survival of the Galveston Hurricane
[1]The structure was among the few Galveston buildings to survive the catastrophic hurricane of 1900.
- 1891
Completion of the building
[1]Nicholas J. Clayton's Romanesque Revival structure was completed in Galveston using red brick and sandstone.
- 1891
First University of Texas Medical Branch building
[1]The building became the first building of the University of Texas Medical Branch.
Products and positioning
A historic architectural and institutional landmark associated with the University of Texas Medical Branch and the history of Galveston, Texas.
Recent events
- 2008
Hurricane Ike floods the Ashbel Smith Building[1]
Other
Hurricane Ike flooded the building with approximately six feet of water during its impact on Galveston.
- 1985
Historic building undergoes renovation[1]
Other
The Ashbel Smith Building was renovated as part of its continuing preservation and institutional use.
- 1969
Ashbel Smith Building designated a Texas Historical Landmark[1]
Other
The building received recognition as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.
- 1949
Building receives the Ashbel Smith name[1]
Other
The structure was named for Ashbel Smith, a Republic of Texas diplomat and one of the founders of the University of Texas System.
- 1900
The building survives the Galveston Hurricane[1]
Other
The Ashbel Smith Building was among the relatively few Galveston structures to survive the devastating hurricane of 1900.
- 1891
Ashbel Smith Building is completed in Galveston[1]
Other
The Romanesque Revival building designed by Nicholas J. Clayton was completed as the first University of Texas Medical Branch building.
Sources1 sources
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