Early University History

Over the course of its first 150 years, WashU has made remarkable progress, growing from a college educating local men and women to an internationally known research university with students and faculty from approximately 90 countries.

The documents linked below contain some of WashU’s history. They range from the earliest surviving letter detailing WashU to our Inaugural Address delivered by the Honorable Wayman Crow and William G. Eliot—and more. Please enjoy.

• 1853, Letter from Crow to Eliot is the earliest surviving letter concerning WashU. A full transcription and further information about this document are available online.
• 1854, Charter and Constitution, Washington Institute in St. Louis, the first publication from WashU
• 1858, O’Fallon Polytechnic Institute: Its Objects and Present Condition, St. Louis. The early branch of WashU was devoted to engineering and mechanical/scientific study.
• 1863, A eulogy on the late Chancellor Joseph Gibson Hoyt of WashU, delivered at the Hall of the University, St. Louis, Jan. 20, 1863.
• 1872, Inaugural Addresses were delivered before the Government and Alumni of WashU by Honorable Wayman Crow, vice president, and William G. Eliot, president. February 29, 1872 (Library Call no. LD 5797.5 1872)
• 1885, Report of the Deans – Concerning the Work of the Undergraduate Department.
• 1886, A Plan for the Further Development of the Polytechnic School.
• 1908, A University for the Southwest, by Chancellor David Huston. The address was delivered before the Commercial Club of St. Louis.