The Columns (Columbia, Missouri) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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The Columns
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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The six Ionic columns in front of Jesse Hall
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 Location in Missouri
Location in the United States
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| Location | Columbia, Missouri |
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| 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 super famous landmark at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. These six tall columns stand 43 feet (13 m) high in the middle of Francis Quadrangle. They are all that's left of a very old building called Academic Hall.
Along with Jesse Hall, the Columns are one of the most photographed spots in Missouri. They have been part of many important events and traditions. These include graduations, concerts, fun pranks, weddings, and even protests. The university's school song even mentions the Columns! They are a key part of the Francis Quadrangle National Historic District. In 2017, the Columns were carefully repaired to keep them strong.
Contents
The Columns: A Look Back in Time
Building Academic Hall
Academic Hall was built between 1840 and 1843. It was the very first building for the University of Missouri. It was also the first public university building west of the Mississippi River!
An accountant and architect named Stephen Hills designed the hall. He also designed Missouri's first State Capitol Building. The Columns of Academic Hall were made from big pieces of limestone. These pieces came from the Hinkson Creek Valley, which is south of the campus.
The Big Fire of 1892
Sadly, Academic Hall completely burned down in 1892. It was a huge fire! But guess what? The Columns were so strong that they were still standing after the fire.
Saving the Columns
After the fire, some people thought the Columns were ugly. They felt the Columns blocked the view of the new buildings being built. Others worried they might fall down and be dangerous.
In August 1893, the university leaders decided to tear down the Columns. The university president, Gideon F. Rothwell, even ordered two teams of mules to pull them down. But a local citizen, Jerry S. Dorsey, led a big protest. He said, "the Columns could not be pulled down by a herd of elephants!" President Rothwell insisted they would come down, even with dynamite.
Mr. Dorsey got a special court order to stop the destruction. An architect then checked the Columns and said they were safe and strong. Because of the protests and the safety report, the university leaders changed their minds. In December 1893, they decided to let the Columns stay.
Keeping the Columns Strong
The Columns are very old, so they need special care. In 2017, a big project was done to preserve them. This work helps make sure they stay standing for many more years. The university even offered a class called "The Geology of the Columns" in 2017!
Fun Traditions at the Columns
The Columns are a special place for many university traditions.
Tiger Walk
At the start of each school year, new students take part in the "Tiger Walk." They walk through the Columns to show they are now part of the university community. It's a cool way to welcome them!
Tap Day
"Tap Day" also happens under the Columns. This is when the university's secret societies announce their new members. It's a mysterious and exciting event for students.
The Columns in Art
The Columns are so famous they appear in many artworks!
You can see a painting of James S. Rollins and the Columns in the Missouri Governor's office. This office is inside the Missouri State Capitol. They are also shown in a beautiful stained-glass window. This window is called Missouri at Peace and is in the Missouri House Chamber.
A famous artist named George Caleb Bingham once painted Academic Hall. Sadly, this painting was lost when the hall burned down. You can also find murals of Academic Hall and the Columns in other local buildings. These include the Boone County Courthouse and the Columbia Municipal Court.
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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