Aven Nelson was one of the original founding faculty members of the University of Wyoming. Nelson came to the university in 1887, the year it was founded. He served UW for 55 years before retiring in 1942. Nelson was the University of Wyoming’s first professor of botany, as well as the university’s 10th President. In … Continue reading Aven Nelson Botany Class →

The 1906-1907 school year marked the beginning of the student-teaching program at the University School. The classroom was located on the second floor of Old Main.  It was known as “the primary room” and included grades one through three. In the early years, there were more preparatory students than college students enrolled and tuition costs covered … Continue reading Education Classes →

In 1899, officials from the Union Pacific Railroad invited geologists and paleontologists from universities, colleges, and museums around the country to participate in a scientific expedition to Wyoming, famous for being one of the richest fossil regions in the United States. The railroad offered them free transportation to Laramie and the chance to dig for fossils … Continue reading Union Pacific Railroad 1899 Fossil Excursion →

Affectionately referred to as “Doc” Knight, Samuel H. Knight succeeded his father as the second Wyoming State Geologist. Knight served as both the Wyoming State Geologist and head of the University of Wyoming’s Geological Museum exhibits. In the summer of 1923, he established Science Camp at the head of Long Canyon– a base for fieldwork for … Continue reading Science Camp →

Much of the construction of the “Science Camp” buildings was completed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) from 1935 to 1937. Affectionately referred to as “Doc” Knight, Samuel H. Knight succeeded his father as the second Wyoming State Geologist. Knight served as both the Wyoming State Geologist and head of the … Continue reading Science Camp →

    In 1899, officials from the Union Pacific Railroad invited geologists and paleontologists from universities, colleges, and museums around the country to participate in a scientific expedition to Wyoming, famous for being one of the richest fossil regions in the United States. The railroad offered them free transportation to Laramie and the chance to dig … Continue reading Union Pacific Railroad 1899 Fossil Excursion →

Old Main, built in 1886, is the first and oldest remaining building on the University of Wyoming campus in Laramie, Wyoming. The style of Old Main set a precedent for all future University buildings. The main stone used is rough-cut sandstone from a quarry east of Laramie, and the trim stone is smooth Potsdam Sandstone … Continue reading University Hall (Old Main) 1908 →

In the early days of the University, faculty and students would gather in the auditorium in the Old Main building twice a week for a public meeting. Each service was opened by a song from the college hymnal followed by announcements from members of the faculty. The University of Wyoming president would then take the … Continue reading The Auditorium in Old Main →

This map, published in the 1899-1900 University of Wyoming Catalogue, shows the relationship of the University to the rest of Laramie. For many years, the campus was truly on the outskirts of town, with Green Hill Cemetery to the northeast. Learn more about the history of the University of Wyoming. Additional Resources

The first dormitory on the University of Wyoming campus was originally called “Women’s Hall,” but was eventually renamed for University President Charles O. Merica. Constructed in 1908, Merica Hall housed 25 girls, each of whom paid $20 per month for room and board. The building ceased to serve as a dormitory in 1943, but continued … Continue reading Merica Hall – The First Dormitory →