Proclamation Convening the Board of Regents of the University of Texas,

October 19, 1881

The idea for the University of Texas had its roots in the Republic of Texas era, but the tumultuous problems of early statehood, the Civil War, and Reconstruction kept anything from actually being done for decades. In 1871, the legislature established Texas A&M College, which was to emphasize agricultural and engineering studies with a strong military bent. The Constitution of 1876 specified the creation of a "University of Texas" that would teach literature and the arts and sciences.

Finally, in 1881, Austin was chosen in an election as the site for the university, with Galveston selected for the medical branch. A board of regents was appointed by Governor Roberts. This proclamation calls for the regents to have their first meeting in Austin on November 15, 1881.

The cornerstone of the first Main Building was laid a year later, and the University formally opened on September 15, 1883.

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Proclamation convening the UT board of regents

Proclamation

By the Governor of the State of

Texas convening the Board of

Regents of the University of Texas:

Whereas the official returns of

the Election held Sept. 6th 1881,

which said returns are now on

file in the office of the Secretary

of State, show that Austin has

been selected by the people as the

location of the University of

Texas with the medical branch

at Galveston.

Now therefore I O.M. Roberts

Governor of Texas by virtue of the

authority vested in me by the

laws of this State do hereby call

the Board of Regents of the University

of Texas to convene at the city

of Austin on Tuesday the fifteenth

day of November 1881 to effect the

permanent organization of the Board

and to take such action as the law

requires for the establishment and

organization of the University.

In testimony whereof I hereto sign

my name and cause the seal

of state to be affixed at the city

of Austin this 19th day of October A.D. 1881.

O.M. Roberts

Governor

By the Governor

T.H. Bowman

Sec of State

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Proclamation Convening the Board of Regents of the University of Texas, October 19, 1881, Records of Oran Milo Roberts , Texas Office of the Governor, Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

Page last modified: March 30, 2011