Dawson Hall 1 (1903) - Campus Building and Artifacts, WVSU Archives & Special Collections

Dawson Hall, named in honor of WV Governor
William M. O. Dawson, was constructed in 1903. The purpose was to house female students. It was also used for Home Economics. On July 20, 1917, a fire was discovered on the third floor about 3 o'clock in the morning; the building was completely destroyed. The Board of Control received $25,000 from insurance and resolved to rebuild the structure at the earliest date possible. A second building was constructed in 1923 and named Dawson Hall 2 (see Dawson Hall 2 page).