Construction of the buildings began in 1817, and the General
Assembly officially chartered the school as the University of
Virginia in 1819. While the university represents a major
achievement in the history of American education, its
architectural scheme was revolutionary and provided a prototype
for numerous campus designs. Except for the burning of the
Rotunda in 1895 and the demolition of the Anatomical Theater in
1938, Jefferson's original buildings have survived without
significant alteration. The open south end of the Lawn was
closed in the first decade of the 20th century with the
construction of three architecturally outstanding academic
buildings--Cabell Hall, Cocke Hall, and Rouss Hall--all designed
by Stanford White, who was brought to Charlottesville to design
the rebuilding of the Rotunda. White also designed the former
university commons, now Garrett Hall, which is in the district.
Other buildings of significance in the district are Brooks Hall
of 1877, the Gothic Revival University Chapel of 1