Cadet Corps, Morrill Hall, 1892

The Cadet Corps stands in formation in front of Morrill Hall in a post-to-arms position with Stewart Hall (left) and the Nevada Agriculture Experiment Station (right) in the background. University enrolled male students over fifteen years of age were required to become military cadets unless they were physically unable or if they conscientiously opposed. 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 how it is today.