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UF Timeline » 150 Years
of History at the University of Florida
 1853-1905
» University of Florida's Beginnings
On January 6, 1853, Florida Governor Thomas Brown signs
the bill that provided public support to higher education.
East Florida Seminary in Ocala is one of the first schools
to use this funding, but it soon closes due the
Civil War. In 1866, EFS reopens in Gainesville, beginning
a 150-year journey to become one of the largest, most
prestigious schools in the world.
 1906-1927
» Early Gainesville
Gainesville lobbies for the new University of Florida
by offering land, money and an agreement to "furnish
water to the University without charge." When the
telegraph office in Gainesville announces the good news
to the waiting crowd, a noisy celebration begins with
ringing church bells, a parade and exploding firecrackers.
The Gainesville campus opens for registration on Sept.
24, 1906. Classes begin two days later for the 102 students
enrolled.
 1928-1947
» Depression & World War
II
As John J. Tigert begins his presidency, Florida comes
under hard times. The Mediterranean fruit fly cripples
the state's citrus production and the deadliest hurricane
to ever hit Florida destroys what was left of the state's
economy. Then, a year later, the Great Depression begins
with the collapse of the stock market. The economy does
not recover until America enters World War II in 1941.
 1948-1974
» Post-War Expansion
Florida experiences a huge population boom after World
War II. Because of its mild climate, Florida was used
to train troops for battle. By the time the war is
over, Florida has an excellent transportation system
for residents and visitors. Many high-tech industries
relocate to Florida, most notably the Space Program.
The exploding population of the state carries over into
its universities. The University of Florida goes from
being a school of 5,000 white males to a diverse student
body of more than 28,000 men and women.
 1975-2003
» National & International
Prominence
For 25 years, the University of Florida diversifies
and expands into one of the top universities in the
nation. UF is a leading public research university situated
in what Money magazine calls "the best place to
live" in the United States. With a focus on excellence
in research, teaching, technology and athletics, the
University of Florida will certainly remain a leader
in higher education.
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