AUSTIN, Texas — As Austin’s only HBCU, and oldest higher learning institute, Huston-Tillotson University has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. That means the university is on the country’s official preservation list for sites.

The university’s roots go back to 1875; it's even older than the University of Texas at Austin. It was after the Civil War when church-affiliated groups founded Tillotson Institute and Samuel Huston College to educate former slaves. By 1952, the colleges consolidated into Huston-Tillotson College, and later Huston-Tillotson University.

“The recognition of the physical space of Huston-Tillotson University speaks of the equally immense educational, cultural, and economic importance of the University to the East Austin community and beyond,” interim university President Archibald Vanderpuye said in a press release.

According to H-TU, its 19.8-acre district has 13 structures that showcase the historical and architectural significance of its institution.

“Huston-Tillotson University has a proud history of excellence in higher education and community service to Austin,” said Joi Harden with the City of Austin’s Historic Preservation Office, who worked with H-TU to get the designation. “Generations of African American students have found a rich and supportive home on the Huston-Tillotson campus to earn college degrees, pursue professional careers, and advance their lives in an inclusive environment.”

Having been added to the national register lays out safeguards to maintain the cultural authenticity of the school, according to H-TU. The university can now obtain grants and technical expertise for preservation efforts.