Louisiana State University - Gumbo Yearbook (Baton Rouge, LA)

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CENTURY OF ACHIEVEMENT The time-- 1860; the event the planting of a seed of knowledge in the fertile soil of central Louisiana a seed which is destined to blossom into a mighty oak, casting its shadow over the entire state. One hundred years ago die Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military Academy, die insti- tution which today is one of the greatest centers of learning in die Soudi, began its classes in a small 3 -story building in the pinewoods of Rapides Parish widi a total enrollment of 73 boys. Its founding was audiorized by die State Constitution of 1845, and made possible in 1855 when the legislature appropriated the funds for die purchase of 438 acres of land and buildings. But it was not a reality until late in 1859, due to poor construction and yellow fever. The first classes began on Janu- ary 5, 1860. The character of die Seminary was fixed as a literary and scientific institution under a military system of government on a program and plan similar to diat of die Virginia Military Institute. Five professors guided die course of die institution in its early years. Heading die faculty as superintendent and professor of engineering was William Tecumseh Sherman. Francis W. Smidi was commandant of cadets and professor of chemistry. David French Boyd taught ancient languages and English; Andiony Y alias a native of Hungary tutored die cadets in madiematics and natural philosophy; and E. Berte St. Ange, a Frenchman, taught modern languages. When enrolling, die cadets had to promise not to marry while a student, nor to make debts or re- ceive spending money from home. This would seem radier drastic to present-day college students, as would an average day of die college student of 1860. The cadets rose at daybreak, cleaned dieir rooms, studied until breakfast at 7 A.M. Classes began an hour later and lasted until 4 P.M., when they drilled for an hour. Supper was at sundown, and diey studied again until 10 P.M. The only recreation available was in die form of literary exercises, fishing expeditions or such games as chess and backgammon. The second session began on November 1. 1860 with a total enrollment of 115. It was during diis The few free hours left to the cadets after classes were spent in their rooms studying by coal- oil lamps.

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GENERAL WILLIAM TECUMSEH SHERMAN

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Cadets toil over their ledgers in an early bookkeeping class, a part of the four-year business course begun in 1899. session that the election of Lincoln to the presidency made the southern secession evident. Sherman had previously made his position clear: he didn ' t believe in abolition or secession and he would not remain at the Seminary or in the state if Louisiana seceded. The United States Arsenal at Baton Rouge was seized by the state forces on January 10, 1861, and the ordinance of secession was passed on January 26th of that same year. Sherman resigned and re- entered the Union army the next day. Professor Vallas was named acting superintendent. Smith, Boyd. and Clarke also resigned, but to enter the Confederate service. Most of the cadets left as soon as the war broke, but the institution continued to operate until 1863, when Banks army invaded the Red River Valley. Following the war in 1865 the Seminary re-opened with Colonel David French Boyd as superintend- ent. When he reported to the Seminary, he found the grounds and buildings almost in ruin. Scientific equipment, books and furniture had all been taken by the Federal troops. The Seminary was fortunate in securing favorable legislation for several years immediately following the war, in spite of the chaotic political and governmental conditions. From 1865 to 1869 the Seminary had a nominal income which seemed large enough for its needs. However, in 1867 the Reconstruction Acts were passed which almost resulted in the destruction of the school a few years later when the State The old iron kettle lying west of the Audubon Sugar School was used by Etienne De Bore in 1795 when he granulated sugar for the first time. There is still a great deal of mystery regarding the absence of the Penta- gon ' s fifth side, which some people believe may have been swept into the Mississippi River.