History of the University of Arkansas

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is the flagship campus of the U of A System, the primary institution of higher education in the state and a national leader in applied research.

Today, the university is among the 2 percent of public universities classified in the Carnegie Foundation's highest research category.;xNLx;Among the top 65 public research universities, the University of Arkansas has more than 200 academic programs, more than 300 student organizations, and an Honors College among the best in the nation.;xNLx;Read about our history and you'll see why we're so optimistic about our future.;xNLx;;xNLx;

1810-04-10 14:10:47

Treaty of Fort Clark

The Osage Nation ceded all land east of Fort Clark, including the land that would become home to the University of Arkansas, to the United States.

1862-02-07 00:00:00

Land-Grant Act Created

Congress approves an act – introduced by Justin Smith Morrill – that creates the land-grant university system.

1864-07-15 08:19:47

Wartime Approval for a University

The General Assembly of the Union-occupied part of Arkansas approves an amendment accepting terms of the Morrill Land-Grant Act.

1868-07-15 08:19:47

Legislation for a University

Gov. Isaac Murphy and the state Legislature pass an act to establish an industrial university.

1871-03-27 00:00:00

University Founded

The Arkansas General Assembly approves establishment of a land-grant university and the first state-funded institution of higher education.

1871-10-17 00:00:00

Fayetteville Chosen as Site

The Board of Trustees chooses Fayetteville from among the bids made by Batesville, Prairie Grove and Viney Grove.

1871-12-18 21:06:19

Gates Named First President

Noah Putnam Gates is named the first president of Arkansas Industrial University.

1872-01-22 20:55:22

First Students Enroll

Seven boys and one girl attend the first day of classes at the Arkansas Industrial University, and initial classes are held in a frame building.

1873-03-18 21:06:19

End of Reconstruction Forces Out Black Students for Next 75 Years

The return of a Democratic majority to the Arkansas legislature ends the university's enrollment of students of African American heritage until 1948.

1873-09-18 21:06:19

Bishop Appointed President

Albert Webb Bishop is appointed the second president of Arkansas Industrial University.

History of the University of Arkansas

Launch
Copy this timeline Login to copy this timeline 3d Game mode