The Columns (Columbia, Missouri) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
The Columns
U.S. Historic district Contributing property
The six Ionic columns in front of Jesse Hall
Location in Missouri Show map of Missouri Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	Columbia, Missouri
Built	1840–1843
Architect	Stephen Hills
Architectural style	Classical Revival
Part of	Francis Quadrangle Historic District (ID73001036)
Added to NRHP	December 18, 1973

The Columns are a famous landmark at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. These tall, forty-three feet (13 m) columns stand in the middle of Francis Quadrangle. They are what's left of the front entrance (called a portico) of an old building named Academic Hall. Many people take pictures of them, especially with Jesse Hall in the background.

The Columns have been part of many university traditions and events. These include graduation ceremonies, concerts, and even student pranks. They are mentioned in the University of Missouri's school song. The Columns are also an important part of the Francis Quadrangle National Historic District. In 2017, special work was done to help preserve them.

History of the Columns

Building Academic Hall

Academic Hall was the first building constructed for the University of Missouri. It was built between 1840 and 1843. This made it the first public university building west of the Mississippi River. The person who designed the hall was Stephen Hills. He was an accountant and an architect. He also designed the first Missouri State Capitol Building. The Columns themselves were made from large limestone pieces. These pieces came from the Hinkson Creek Valley, which is south of the campus.

The Great Fire of 1892

In 1892, Academic Hall caught fire and burned down completely. But even after the building was gone, the Columns were still standing. For several months after the fire, some people thought the Columns were ugly. They felt the Columns blocked the view of the new buildings. These new buildings were being built on the Quadrangle. Some people also worried that the Columns were not safe and might fall down.

Saving the Columns

In August 1893, the university's leaders decided to tear down the Columns. A local newspaper reported that Gideon F. Rothwell had ordered two teams of mules to pull them down. But a leading citizen of Columbia, Jerry S. Dorsey, led a protest. He said that "the Columns could not be pulled down by a herd of elephants." Rothwell replied that they would come down, even if he had to use dynamite.

Dorsey quickly got a special court order to stop the destruction. An architect then said the Columns were actually strong and safe. Because of the protests from the people of Columbia, and the news that the Columns were safe, the university leaders changed their minds. In December 1893, they decided to let the Columns stay. And so, the Columns are still standing today.

Recent Preservation Work

In 2017, the Columns received a lot of important preservation work. This was done to make sure they stay strong for many more years. During the fall semester of 2017, the University of Missouri even offered a class. It was called "The Geology of the Columns." Students in this class learned about the rocks and materials that make up the Columns.

University Traditions

The Columns are a central part of many traditions at the University of Missouri.

• Tiger Walk: At the start of each school year, new students take part in the Tiger Walk. They walk through the Columns. This symbolizes their journey from the wider community into the university.
• Tap Day: This event also happens under the Columns. During Tap Day, the university's secret societies announce their new members.

Columns in Art and Books

The Columns have appeared in many works of art and literature.

• A painting of James S. Rollins and the Columns is in the office of the Missouri Governor. This office is located in the Missouri State Capitol.
• They are also shown in a large stained-glass window. This window is called Missouri at Peace. It is located in the Missouri House Chamber.
• A painting by George Caleb Bingham showed Academic Hall. Sadly, this painting was destroyed when the hall burned down.
• Academic Hall and the Columns are also featured in paintings. These are in the Boone County Courthouse and the Columbia Municipal Court.
• The Columns are the namesake of Penny Garrison's novel. Her book is titled In The Shadow of the Columns.

Gallery

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  Drawing of Academic Hall, Switzler Hall, and the President's House around 1875

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  Academic Hall as it was originally constructed, sometime before 1885

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  Academic Hall with the expanded east and west wings, perhaps in 1890-1892

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  The burning of Academic Hall in 1892. Flame can be seen licking the columns of the portico

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  The Columns stand in the rubble of Academic Hall after the 1892 fire, the new buildings of Francis Quad in the background

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  1922 Savitar yearbook picture of ivy covered Columns

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  1930-45 postcard of the "Historic Columns Missouri University"

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  The Columns in the snow

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  The Columns with Jesse Hall in the background

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  From the Avenue of the Columns

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  From Elm Street in snow

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  Jesse and the Columns

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