Morrill Hall, ca. 1960

Morrill Hall is seen in the distance with cars parked in front and shade from trees on the grass in front. 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.