Editor's note: The K-State Collegian published the following piece Feb. 28, 1946. This story addresses the events surrounding the creation of K-State and the University of Kansas. We ask readers to enjoy this piece of history.
Kansas State College narrowly missed becoming Kansas University in 1861 when the resolution making it the state university passed both houses of the state legislature but was vetoed by Governor Charles Robinson. As a result of the veto, it became a land-grant college.
The pioneers of Manhattan founded Bluemont Central College in 1858.
On February 16, 1863, Governor Thomas Carney approved the resolution to accept the offer of Bluemont College as a location for the land-grant college, and thus Manhattan became the seat of Kansas State Agricultural College.
The College opened September 2, 1863. Fifty-two students were enrolled, 26 men and 26 women. About half studied the higher branches, such as Latin, physiology, and mathematics. Spelling, writing and reading were available for those not prepared for higher work.
With almost no money and little equipment, KSAC offered young people an education at minimum expense. Many of the graduates became teachers in commons schools, and many conducted observations and experiments which were valuable to the development of the state.
When new buildings begin appearing on the Kansas State campus tomorrow, the oldest building on campus will be torn down. The stone from the "Old Armory" just north of the Veterinary Building will be used in the construction of these new buidlings. Because of the fire in the Veterinary Hospital Feb. 19, small animals will be kept in the Armory.
In 1872 one wing of the ambitiously-planned barn was built. In its incomplete state it was used as the barn until 1875 when it was remodeled and became the chief College building for a time.
Since then, it has served many purposes. From 1868 to 1869 it was occupied by Professor Hougham, an agriculturist. In 1875 its interior was remodeled into an "Industrial Hall" to convert it into a building for College classes.
In 1886 the "old barn" received another overhauling and was transformed to provide for much of the museum material and to improve the quarters for the department of botany. It served as the Armory from 1881 to 1911.
- Compiled by Christina Hansen
