History of the University of Texas at Austin facts for kids

The University of Texas at Austin is a very old and important school in Texas. It was first thought of way back in 1827. The idea was to create a public university for everyone in Texas. Later, in 1876, the Texas Constitution also said there should be a "university of the first class." So, "The University of Texas" was created. The school opened its doors in 1883. Since then, it has grown a lot. The Austin campus is now the main one for the University of Texas System. By the late 1990s, it had one of the largest numbers of students in the country. It also had many top programs in areas like law, architecture, film, engineering, and business.

How the University Started

After Texas became independent, its leaders wanted to create public schools. President Mirabeau B. Lamar said that education was very important for a good government. A plan was made to set aside land for a university. This land grew to fifty leagues, which is about 288,000 acres (117,000 ha). Also, 40 acres (16 ha) in Austin were saved for the campus. This is why the university is often called "Forty Acres."

In 1858, Texas leaders officially created the University of Texas. They set aside $100,000 to help build it. They also said that land meant for railroads would help support the university. However, the American Civil War caused delays.

After the Civil War, the Texas Constitution of 1876 again said the state must build a "university of the first class." This time, one million acres of land in West Texas were given to the university. In 1883, another two million acres were added. Money from selling this land or letting animals graze on it would go to the university. The constitution also said the university should have departments for farming, mechanics, medicine, and engineering later on.

On March 30, 1881, the leaders decided how the university would be set up. They also held an election to pick its location. On September 6, 1881, Austin was chosen as the main campus. Galveston was chosen for the medical school. On November 17, 1882, a special ceremony took place. They laid the first stone for the Old Main building. The university officially opened on September 15, 1883.

The 1800s at UT

Early leaders at UT included people who fought in the Civil War. One important person was Regent George Washington Littlefield. Another was George Washington Brackenridge, who supported the Union. In 1890, Brackenridge gave money to build a dining hall called Brackenridge Hall. It was a very important building for student life until it was taken down in 1952.

The old Victorian-Gothic Main Building was the center of the campus. It was used for almost everything. It was built in three parts, starting in 1883. But by the 1930s, people needed a new library. So, the Main Building was taken down in 1934, even though many people protested. The tall tower and new Main Building you see today were built in its place.

In 1894, the Department of Engineering was created. This was the start of what is now the College of Engineering.

The 1900s at UT

In the early 1900s, the campus was set up differently for boys and girls. Girls' dorms were north of the main area. Boys' dorms were to the southeast. In 1903, the Woman's Building became the first dorm for women. It had modern things like an elevator, a gym, and a swimming pool. Boys' dorms were much simpler. Girls needed permission to leave their dorms. Boys could only visit in certain areas.

In 1910, George Washington Brackenridge gave another 500 acres of land to the university. This land was near the Colorado River. There was a big argument about moving the campus there. So, in 1921, the state gave money to buy land next to the main campus instead. Building new buildings was hard because of rules about funding. But in 1923, oil was found on university land! This new wealth helped the university grow a lot. After World War II, many more students came. The university quickly built new buildings between 1950 and 1965.

In 1912, UT Austin started offering business classes. By 1922, a separate School of Business Administration was created.

In 1916, Texas Governor James E. Ferguson had a big fight with the university. He wanted to fire some teachers, but the university leaders said no. So, Governor Ferguson stopped the university's money. This led to him being removed from office.

World War I and UT

When the United States joined World War I in 1917, it changed campus life. The university helped train pilots. Over 1,000 students joined the military. Many professors also took time off to help the government. Research at the university focused on helping the war effort. Students wore uniforms and had strict daily schedules. They combined schoolwork with military training.

In 1919, the Littlefield Fountain was planned to remember those who served in World War I. It was built in 1932. The DKR Texas Memorial Stadium was also built in 1924 to honor Texans from World War I. In 1977, it was changed to honor everyone who served in wars.

World War II and UT

During World War II, many students, teachers, and former students left to help with the war. School schedules were sped up so students could graduate faster. Twenty-two university scientists helped with the Manhattan Project, which was a secret project during the war. After the war, everyone came back to school.

After the Wars

In 1965, the Texas Legislature allowed the university to buy more land around the campus. The university wanted to expand to the east. This area had lower property values, so it would cost less to buy. After many years of talks, the university and the Blackland neighborhood reached an agreement. The university bought some land for new fields and buildings.

During the Vietnam War, many students protested the war. They marched near the campus. The protests were mostly peaceful.

The first presidential library on a university campus was opened at UT in 1971. It is the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum, named after former President Lyndon B. Johnson.

In 1977, the Perry–Castañeda Library (PCL) was opened. It is named after two former university professors.

The 2000s at UT

In the 2000s, many new buildings were constructed. In 2006, the Blanton Museum of Art opened. It is the largest university art museum in the United States. It has over 17,000 artworks.

Students also protested the Iraq War in the early 2000s. They used social media and held rallies on campus.

In 2008, the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center opened. It is used for meetings and learning programs. Later that year, the Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium became the largest stadium in Texas after renovations. It could now hold over 100,000 people.

In 2011, the university started its own 24-hour TV channel with ESPN. It is called the Longhorn Network. It shows university sports, music, arts, and school programs.

In 2016, a "campus carry" law started. This allowed people with licenses to carry hidden handguns on campus. This caused a lot of discussion and protests.

In 2019, a program called the Texas Advance Commitment was launched. It helps low-income and middle-income students pay for tuition and fees. This makes college more affordable for many students.