University of Missouri - Columbia

The University of Missouri-Columbia (abbreviated UMC and nicknamed Mizzou) is an institution of higher learning located in Columbia, Missouri, USA. Columbia is the largest campus, of equal standing, in the University of Missouri System with approximately 27,000 students and is often considered the flagship campus of the system. UMC is more often called MU though it is also referred to as UM, The University of Missouri (reflecting its flagship status) and rarely (historically), Missouri University.

History

UMC was founded in 1839 as part of the Geyer Act to establish a state university, the first west of the Mississippi River. During the American Civil War, supporters of the Union wanted to move the campus to a "more loyal" area. Tensions forced the university to close its doors for parts of 1862.

Related Topics:
1839 - Geyer Act - Mississippi River - American Civil War - 1862

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The original tombstone of Thomas Jefferson resides on the MU campus. Jefferson's heirs gave it to the campus in July 1883 because it was the first state university in the Louisiana Purchase territory.

Related Topics:
Tombstone - Thomas Jefferson - 1883 - Louisiana Purchase

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Women were first admitted to the university in 1867, but only to the teachers' school. They were granted full admission in 1871.

Related Topics:
1867 - 1871

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On January 9, 1892, the school's main academic building, simply called Academic Hall, burned to the ground, leaving little more than six stone columns standing. The columns, which still stand today, became a symbol of the campus and form the center of Francis Quadrangle, the oldest part of campus. Also in the quadrangle, and often referred to as its centerpiece, is Jesse Hall. Built in 1895, Jesse Hall was formerly known as New Academic Hall. Today, Jesse Hall is home to many administrative offices of the university and to Jesse Auditorium. The area of campus around the quadrangle, where the buildings are built of red brick, is known as "red campus." East of the quadrangle, many buildings were built in 1913 and 1914 of white limestone. This section is known as "white campus."

Related Topics:
January 9 - 1892 - 1913 - 1914

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