Francis Quadrangle

Francis Quadrangle Historic District
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. Historic district
Location	Columbia, Missouri
Built	1867
Architect	Bell,Morris Frederick
Architectural style	Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals, Late Victorian
NRHP reference No.	73001036
Added to NRHP	December 18, 1973

David R. Francis Quadrangle is the historical center of The University of Missouri. It is named after Missouri governor David R. Francis, and is often simply called "The Quad." Within the quad are two of the most recognizable symbols of the school, Jesse Hall and The Columns. Academic Hall, the first building on MU's campus, was built in the middle of the present day quad. It burned on January 9th, 1892, leaving only the famous six columns that now stand in the center of Francis Quadrangle. The Quad is the center of MU's Red Campus and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

History

Academic Hall fire

The burning of Academic Hall ushered in a time of great change for the University. There was much support in the Missouri Legislature to move the University to Sedalia. The Governor of Missouri, David R. Francis, sent a telegram to the students of the University assuring them that he would fight to keep the campus in Columbia. He later traveled to Columbia to address the citizens, faculty, and students. After calling for a special session of the Missouri Legislature he was able to appropriate 250,000 dollars for the rebuilding. The University of Missouri was rebuilt in a quad around the columns, with "New Academic Hall" later renamed Jesse Hall on the south, and the Avenue of the Columns on the North.

Buildings

File:Switzler Hall Ivy.jpg

Switzler Hall

Hill Hall

Hill Hall was built in 1950 and named after former President of The University Albert Ross Hill.

Jesse Hall

Main article: Jesse Hall

Jesse Hall was constructed in 1892 as the "New Academic Hall." It was later renamed after MU president Richard Henry Jesse. The dome rises nine stories above the quad, and is one of the most recognized symbols of MU. It was designed by architect Morris Frederick Bell, and serves as the administrative center for The University of Missouri–Columbia.

Lafferre Hall

The Engineering Building was built in 1892 and lies on the west side of the quad. After a significant donation, the building is now called Lafferre Hall.

Pickard Hall

Pickard Hall was built in 1892 and now contains the MU Art and Archaeology Museum.

Residence on the Quad

The Residence on The Quad was built in 1867 and stands on the East side of the quad. It is the oldest building left standing on campus. Thomas Jefferson's original tombstone stands between this building and The Columns. The Residence is intended to be the official home of the University's chancellor.

Sociology

The Sociology building was built in 1892 and stands near the northeast corner of the quad. It has been renovated and turned into the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute.

Swallow Hall

Swallow Hall was built in 1893 and stands on the southeast corner. It is named after George Clinton Swallow, Missouri's first state geologist. Today the building holds The Museum of Anthropology.

Switzler Hall

Main article: Switzler Hall

Switzler Hall was constructed in 1871 as "The Scientific Building." It is the oldest academic building left standing on campus. Switzler Hall is named after curator William Franklin Switzler. One of the notable attractions of Switzler Hall is the bell tower. The bell was given to the University by Major James S. Rollins and is inscribed with the words "Nunc occasion est et tempus," which translated is, "Now is the occasion and the time." The bell rang each hour classes were in session until 1936.

Monuments

The Columns

The columns that once supported Academic Hall now stand in the middle of the quad.

Thomas Jefferson's tombstone

Thomas Jefferson's original tombstone stands on the east side of the quad. Jefferson's original tombstone was given to Mizzou by his heirs in July 1883 due to Mizzou being the first University founded within Thomas Jefferson's Louisiana Purchase.

See also

• History of the University of Missouri