Eugene, Oregon

Eugene is the third largest city http://www.ci.eugene.or.us/local/euggov.htm#Facts:Cite_sources and boasts the second largest metropolitan population http://www.world-gazetteer.com/wg.php?x=1119225167&men=gcis&lng=en&gln=xx&dat=32&geo=-223&srt=pnan&col=aohdq&pt=a&va=x&geo=-3793 in the state of Oregon, and is also the county seat of Lane County, Oregon. It is located at the south end of the Willamette Valley, at the confluence of the McKenzie River and the Willamette River, about 60 miles (97 km) east of the Oregon Coast. According to the 2000 census, it has a total population of 137,893. As of July 1, 2003 the US Census Bureau estimated the population of Eugene to be 142,185. The city's population is expected to further grow to 228,400 within the next 10 years.

The History of the University of Oregon

Unknown to many, the University of Oregon was not Eugene's first university. It has become, however, Eugene's only successful foray into four-year higher education. Preceding the institution of the University of Oregon was Columbia College, which was also founded around the same area the UofO resides in today. That institute, however, fell victim to two different major fires over four years, and after being rebuilt twice already, it was decided to not be rebuilt again. Commonly even today, people refer to parts of Eugene's campus area as "College Hill," and this name does not come from the adjacent location of the University of Oregon, but rather the former location of Columbia College. Columbia College preceded the University of Oregon by a few years.

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The town raised the initial funding to start a public University, which later became the University of Oregon, with the hope of turning the small town into a cultural center of learning. In 1872 the Legislative Assembly passed a bill ratifying the University. Interestingly, the nearby town of Albany was Eugene's biggest competitor to provide a home for this institute. In 1873 community member J. H. D. Henderson donated the hilltop land for the campus, overlooking the city. The University first opened in 1876 with regents electing first faculty and naming John Wesley Johnson as president with the first students registering on Oct. 16, 1876. It would not be until 1877, later known as Deady Hall (for the first Board of Regents President and community leader Judge Matthew Deady) that the first building would be completed. It is also to place specific emphasis on the fact that the University of Oregon has been a leader in diversity since its very beginning; the University of Oregon's first class included two Japanese students.

Related Topics:
University of Oregon - Legislative Assembly - Judge Matthew Deady

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In 1878 the school held its first graduation ceremony, five members receiving diplomas. In 1881 Henry Villard gives financial aid to University, and in 1886 Villard Hall, the second campus building, was completed.

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The Nike corporation had its beginnings in Eugene.

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The film Animal House was filmed almost entirely on campus.

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