University of Tennessee Knoxville - Volunteer Yearbook (Knoxville, TN)

Page 10 text:

Copyright H E. Grainger East Tennessee Scenes

Page 12 text:

The University The history of the University of Tennessee covers a period of one hundred and twenty-two years. Although the institution has not been designated, during all this time, as the University of the State, it has from the first been distinctively a State institution. Blount College, so named in honor of Governor William Blount, was originally char- tered in 1794, by the “Territorial Legislature South of the River Ohio,” and the first school building was located near the center of Knoxville, where the Knoxville Bank Trust Building now stands. This college was the first non-denominationa! school west of the Alleghenies, and was characterized by the liberality of its charter. In 1807, under an Act of Congress, providing for the establishment of two colleges in Tennessee, East Tennessee College was chartered and soon after the franchise and property of Blount College were transferred to the new institution. In 1820 East Tennessee College, having been formerly located at Poplar Springs, was transferred to the present site, Barbara Hill, so-called for Barbara Blount, daughter of Wm. Blount. During the year 1840, the name of East Tennessee College was changed to East Tennessee University, by act of Legislature. This change was suggestive of the success and the widening scope of the institution. During the war the school was closed, but opened again in the spring of 1866. In 1869 the State Legislature appropriated the proceeds of the sale of land scrip, to East Tennessee University. The college, in accord- ance with the provisions of the Morrill Act, established a College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts. Although these new courses were offered, classical studies were in ascendancy until 1888, when technical education first began to be fully realized. 1879, is a date ever memorable in the history of our University. This year the Legislature changed the name of East Tennessee University to University of Tennessee. Thus the University became the head and an integral part of the public educational system. In 1887, due to the passage of the “Hatch Bill,” an Agriculture Experiment Station was established at the University. In 1891, the General Assembly assented to grant appropriation of money to College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts, under the “New Morrell Act,” and pledged whole of appropriation to University of Tennessee in accordance with contract of 1869. During the last quarter of a century great progress has been made along approved modern lines. Following the trend of modern practice, the institution was opened to women in 1892. Not until 1903 did the State give to the University any substantial support. At that time $100,000 was appropriated to the University by the 53rd General Assembly. The 54th and 55th General Assem- blies also made appropriations of $25,000 and $100,000, respectively. In 1907 the “Nelson Act” was passed, which provided for further support of the College of Agri- culture and Mechanical Arts. At all times the University has done what she could with the means at her com- mand, and has in. spite of adverse conditions, risen rapidly and is still gaining prestige. This is shown by the recognition of the University of Tennessee, as one of the ten standard universities of the South, by the University of Berlin. The University has always labored to fulfill her broad ideal, that of becoming a University of all the people. It has withstood the vicissitudes of a long and checkered career, but in all that time has not struck her colors to low ideals. With the dignity of age but with the energy of youth it confidently relies on the lawmakers of Tennessee to put it where it may become a greater blessing to the present and to the future generation. 10