The Clock Tower That Defines Auburn University
Samford Hall is Auburn University’s most recognized landmark and a proud symbol of the Auburn story. Rising above the center of campus, its red brick walls and clock tower reflect both resilience and tradition.
From Old Main to Renewal
The story begins in 1859 when East Alabama Male College opened its first large classroom building known as Old Main. For nearly thirty years it served as the center of academic life until a devastating fire destroyed it in June of 1887.
Only a year later, the university began construction on a new building designed by the firm Bruce and Morgan. Salvaged bricks from Old Main were used in the foundation, linking the memory of the past to the promise of the future. According to tradition, an eight year old boy named Charles B. Glenn placed the first brick, a small but memorable gesture of renewal.
Building of Many Purposes
When it opened in 1888 the new structure contained classrooms, faculty offices, and the college library. As Auburn grew, the library moved into a separate building by 1909, allowing Samford Hall to evolve into new roles. Today it houses the offices of the president, provost, and other leaders, making it the administrative heart of the university.
A Name with Meaning
In May of 1929, the building was officially named Samford Hall in honor of William James Samford. He was both an Auburn graduate and the thirty first governor of Alabama. The name gave the structure a lasting identity that tied Auburn to the broader history of the state.
The Voice of the Clock Tower
The clock tower was completed in 1889 with the addition of a bell and timekeeping system. The clock was modernized in 1941 and later upgraded with an electronic carillon in the 1990s. Today the chimes mark each quarter hour with the Westminster melody, while at noon the tower plays the Auburn fight song War Eagle. For many visitors and alumni, the sound of the bell is a reminder of home on the Plains.
Only a few get the opportunity to go up the clock tower and view it from the inside!
An Enduring Auburn Symbol
Samford Hall anchors the Auburn University Historic District, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. From graduation photos to homecoming gatherings, it remains the backdrop for countless Auburn memories.
More than a building, Samford Hall tells a story of endurance and pride. From the ashes of Old Main to the proud structure that watches over campus today, it reflects Auburn’s strength, heritage, and spirit.
