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Florida’s need for a system of higher education was recognized as early as 1828, when Governor William Pope DuVal called for the creation of a seminary or college within the territory. However, the Legislature did not act upon the idea until 1851
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East Florida Seminary in Ocala is created in response to public funds being used to support higher education. EFS will later combine with Florida Agricultural College, St. Petersburg Normal and Industrial School and South Florida Military College to become the University of the State of Florida, one of four state universities.
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An event to raise scholarship monies for students interested in history, historical preservation, architecture and running. Participants are students and faculty from The University of Florida, Florida State University, and Florida Argricultural and Mechanical University.
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In 1866, EFS reopens in Gainesville, beginning a 150-year journey to become one of the largest, most prestigious schools in the world. EFS is housed in what later will become the Methodist Church on Northeast First Street in Gainesville. One of the original buildings, Epworth Hall, is still in use today and displays a marker signifying its importance to the Gainesville community.
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Florida's first land grant college opens in Lake City. Gainesville was originally selected as the site for the new school but could not fulfill its financial obligations. The college site is then moved to Eau Gallie but politics play a part in moving the site once more — to Lake City.
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1905 » Buckman Act » With the public support of higher education, seven co-educational schools have opened. The Buckman Act consolidates these schools to one for white males (UF), one for white females (FSU), one for African-Americans (FAMU) and one school for the deaf and blind.
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Beginning in the 1906 academic year the University of Florida’s first classes were held at Epworth Hall, while the buildings were being constructed on the new campus away from downtown. Today it is part of the First United Methodist Church. Epworth Hall had its four classrooms on the first floor, and offices, a library, and a study hall on the second floor. It served the East Florida Seminary for the remainder of the 19th century
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The transition between classes held at Epworth Hall and the campus of University of Florida is complete
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The Race! Trace the history of Florida universities.
