University of Washington Territory Opens Its Doors in Seattle
Newly established in Seattle, the territory's first institution of higher learning promises a rigorous curriculum and strict moral oversight.
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The university established at Seattle on Puget Sound by Legislative enactment, and in accordance with an act of Congress approved July 17th 1854, being completed, now opens its doors to all those who desire to avail themselves of the facilities it affords for acquiring a thorough acquaintance with the common and higher English branches, and also the usual Collegiate course of Study. The Board of Regents have recently elected W. E. Barnard, A. M., President of the University. Mr. Barnard is a graduate of Dartmouth College. No student will be allowed to retain a connection with the school whose habits are such as to render him an unfit companion, or who will not render a ready compliance with the regulations of the school. Frequenting of saloons, and attendance upon theatres and balls, are not allowed. The reading of the Scriptures, regarded as the only safe text book of morals, will be a daily exercise of the school.
“The reading of the Scriptures, regarded as the only safe text book of morals, will be a daily exercise of the school.”
Long before it became the massive research institution of today, the University of Washington was a modest, strictly regimented academy meant to ground the frontier in New England-style moral and intellectual discipline. Its early struggles with funding and student conduct reflect the challenges of building civic infrastructure in a nascent territory.
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