The Early Days

Old Main

1856: East Alabama Male College chartered by the Methodist church

1859: First building completed - Old Main, a single four-story building costing $25,000. Classes begin with 80 students and a faculty of five

1860: First degrees awarded

1861: Alabama secedes from the Union; many students and several faculty resign to enlist for the duration of the Civil War

1864: Old Main used as a Confederate hospital.