Administration Building, Decatur Baptist College

The Administration Building of Decatur Baptist College, constructed in 1893 in Decatur, Texas, was a significant historic site listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. This three-story limestone structure served as the college's main building, which began its educational journey in 1891 and became the first private junior college in the U.S. after reorganizing in 1896. The building housed the Wise County Heritage Museum until it was tragically destroyed by fire on March 18, 2023, resulting in the loss of numerous artifacts. Visitors and researchers interested in educational history and architectural heritage may find the story of this building particularly compelling.