Morrill Hall, 1886

Morrill Hall is seen here at a distance shortly after construction was finished with the caption on the image reading, "State University. Reno, Nevada" (photographic print, 4.5 x 8 inches). A small, wooden building is seen in the left of the photo and a horse and buggy carriage is seen to the right. Morrill Hall, originally known as the Main Building, was the first building constructed at the university in 1885 and still stands today at the southern part of the Old Quad. This building housed classrooms, dorm rooms, and administrative offices for the university until expansion began. Named for Senator Justin S. Morrill of Vermont, who wrote the Morrill Land-Grant Act of 1862 which led to the creation of universities across the United States, the building cost $13,000 to construct. In 1979 the building was renovated to appear how it is today.