The Founding of the First University of Chicago
(The Old University of Chicago, 1857-1886)
HISTORICAL OUTLINE
From: First Annual Catalogue of the University of Chicago (Chicago: Church, Goodman & Cushing, 1860), pp. 33-34
The University of Chicago had its origin in the conviction of its founders, of the necessity of such an Institution, both to the city of Chicago and the great country to which the city is so intimately linked.
By many, aware from past examples how disastrous to any society is the too rapid and exclusive development of the spirit of gain, the unprecedented material prosperity of both city and country, had long been viewed with deep concern. The necessity of some corresponding development of educational and religious interests, was apparent, and it was forseen that an Institution of learning, of high order, incorporated into the life of this community, while yet young and formative, sharing its growth, and standing as the exponent of its culture, would occupy a position of influence rarely equaled.
In the spirit of these views, the Hon. S. A. DOUGLAS, in the year 1854, expressed his willingness to donate ten acres of the beautiful grove, adjacent to the southern limits of the city, for the purpose of a University, so soon as responsible parties should be found ready to accept it.
On the 2nd of April, 1856, Mr. DOUGLAS conveyed to Rev. J. C. BURROUGHS, in the city of Washington, the proposed site, on certain conditions. On the 6th of July following, at a meeting of the citizens of Chicago, called for the purpose, a preliminary organization was effected, to which the grant, as originally stipulated, was transferred. On the 31st of the same month, the books were opened for subscriptions, and within two months, $100,000 were subscribed. This amount has been subsequently increased to about $225,000 dollars.
On the 2nd day of April, 1857, an act of incorporation was obtained from the Legislature of Illinois. The Board of Trustees, held its first meeting on the 24th of May following, and elected officers, as they still appear. The Board of Regents, provided by the charter with powers of visitation and supervision, especially of the internal affairs of the University, its courses of instruction, discipline, , was also organized. The Executive Committee were instructed to proceed immediately to make the necessary arrangements for the erection of buildings.
The plans prepared by W. W. BOYINGTON, Esq., an elevation of which accompanies the Catalogue, contemplates an imposing stone structure in Norman architecture. The part completed, about 90 feet front, has been universally admired for its beauty, convenient arrangement, excellent ventillation,
On the 4th of July follwing the corner stone was laid with public ceremonies. Immediately after, however, the financial embarrassments, in which the country has subsequently been involved, were so clearly foreshadowed that the Trustees deemed it wise to suspend all further work on the building, and accordingly no progress was made for the next two years. In July, 1858, work was resumed, and the south wing of the building was pushed rapidly on to completion.
In the history of the University, the name of WILLIAM JONES will ever occupy a prominent place, as one to whose energy and liberality the resuscitation of the enterprise, when it semed almost hopelessly paralyzed, is in great measure due.
At a meeting of the Trustees in September, 1858, it was resolved to begin the work of instruction. The President and two Professors were chosen, and on the 29th of the same month, small classes were organized, in temporary rooms. The progress which has been made since these small beginnings, will be seen by the preceding Catalogue.
The building was dedicated on the 22nd of July, 1859, when addresses were delivered by Hon. J. R. Doolittle, of the U. S. Senate, and Dr. A. C. Kendrick of Rochester University.
In 1858 the Trustees resolved upon the important measure of organizing the Law Department, towards the endowment of which, the Hon. THOMAS HOYNE had secured to the Board the payment of five thousand dollars. On the 21st of September following, the department went into operation, under the present Faculty, with an opening address by Hon. David Dudley Field, of New York.
Finding aid to the Old University of Chicago Records in the University of Chicago Library Archives and Manuscripts Finding Aid Database
For further information contact:
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University of Chicago Library
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