Colorado School of Mines

The Colorado School of Mines, located in the town of Golden, was originally founded in 1873 by the Episcopal Church, but in 1874 it was transferred to the Territory of Colorado. It became a state institution when Colorado attained statehood in 1876.

Early history

Golden, Colorado, established in 1859 as Golden City, served as a supply center for miners and settlers in the area. In 1866, Bishop George M. Randall of Massachusetts arrived in the territory and, seeing a need for higher education facilities in the area, began planning for a university which would include a school of mines. In 1870, he opened the Jarvis Hall Collegiate School in a building just south of the town of Golden and in 1873, the School of Mines opened under the auspices of the Episcopal Church. In 1874, School of Mines became a territorial institution and has been a state institution since 1876 when Colorado attained statehood.

Related Topics:
1859 - 1866 - Massachusetts - 1870 - 1873 - 1874 - 1876

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The first building on the current site of the school was built in 1880 with additions completed in 1882 and 1890. The building, known as "Chemistry Hall," stood where Hill Hall is now located. The next building to be added to the campus was Engineering Hall built in 1894 which is still in use today. Other firsts include the first Board of Trustees meeting held in 1879; the first formal commencement held in 1883 for two graduates; the first international student graduated in 1889; and the first female student graduated in 1898. In 1879, there was some discussion about merging School of Mines and the State University in Boulder (University of Colorado at Boulder). Apparently, because of the specialized focus of School of Mines, it was decided that such a merger would not be appropriate. During the early years of the institution the chief administrator was the "Professor in Charge." The designation President was first used in 1880. John U. Trefny, the current CSM President, was appointed as interim president in 2000 (permanent in 2001); he announced in June 2005 that he is retiring on July 31, 2006. The "M" on Mt. Zion, a prominent feature in the Golden area, was constructed in 1908 and lighted in 1932.

Related Topics:
1880 - 1882 - 1890 - 1894 - 1879 - University of Colorado at Boulder - Mt. Zion - 1908 - 1932

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Early academic "departments" were "draughting," physics, metallurgy, chemistry and mining. In the 1920's, departments formed in geology, petroleum engineering and geophysics. Petroleum refining was added in 1946. The Division of Liberal Arts and International Studies and the Department of Physical Education and Athletics provide nontechnical educational opportunities for Mines students. Other facilities include: Ben Parker Student Center, Arthur Lakes Library, Computing Center and the Edgar Mine.

Related Topics:
Draughting - Physics - Metallurgy - Chemistry - Mining - Geology - Petroleum engineering - Geophysics - Petroleum refining

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