WSU History

1890-1899

1890 
State Land-Grant College established by the State Legislature, March 28.

1890 
First meeting of Board of Regents, April 22.

1891 
George Lilley appointed first president, April 25.

1891 
Contract awarded May 22 for the campus's first building named the "CRIB" - the cradle of an infant college. Cost estimate = $1500.

1892 
College opened its doors on January 13 under the name Washington Agricultural College and School of Science with 13 collegiate and 46 preparatory students enrolled. Instruction began in agriculture, mechanic arts and engineering, and sciences and arts.

1892 
Construction started on Ferry Hall, first residence hall, February.

1892 
College Hall contract awarded May 15.

1892
John W. Heston, principal of Seattle High School, appointed president, December 13.

1893
E.A. Bryan appointed president July 22. The former president of Vincennes University in Indiana, he had graduate degrees from Harvard and Columbia.

1894
Agriculture research started in Puyallup in Western Washington.

1894
Rogers intramural field construction started.

1894
First varsity football game: WSC beat Idaho, 10-0, November 10.

1895
Instruction began in Veterinary Science.

1895 
First issue of Evergreen student newspaper published.

1896 
First Glee Club organized.

1897 
First graduating class of seven men and women.

1898 
Alumni Association organized June 23. Edward Kimmel (Class of 1897) is the first president.

1899 
First Chinook student yearbook published.

1899 
First intercollegiate debates.

1899 
Enrollment 481, highest between 1892-1899.

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