The University Of Idaho Was Once A Tiny School With Just 40 Students
By Courtnie Erickson|Published November 21, 2021
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
The small town of Moscow, in northern Idaho, is home to the University of Idaho main campus. Every year, this public land-grant research university becomes like home to approximately 11,000 enrolled students. However, this university wasn’t always the large and bustling campus that it is today. In fact, if you look at the history of the University of Idaho, when this school first opened its doors, only a handful of students attended.
The University of Idaho was founded in 1889. What’s interesting about this date is that Idaho was not officially admitted to statehood until July 3, 1890. In Idaho’s state constitution, the University of Idaho’s status was included.
The photo above shows a view of the campus and the small town of Moscow at the University Tower between 1903 and 1913.
It wasn’t until 1892 when classes first began at the university. Only 40 students were enrolled and classes were held at the Old Administration Building.
Four years later, in 1896, four individuals marched in the first commencement at the University of Idaho. In 1898, the first graduate degree was awarded.
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As time went on, not only were more students enrolling at the university but the campus itself began to take shape.
In 1901, the College of Agriculture was established and in 1902, the Ridenbaugh Hall was dedicated. Ridenbaugh Hall was built as a dormitory for female students and today, it is the oldest brick building that is still standing on the campus in Moscow.
The year 1909 was a big year for the University of Idaho and significant change occurred. During this year, the Menard Law Building was dedicated. This was Idaho’s only law school for 71 years.
Also, in 1909, a new administration building opened its doors, the development of the Shattuck Arboretum began, and the first forestry degree program was established.
By 1957, multiple buildings were built including the University of Idaho’s large library.
The photo shown above dates back to 1965, several years after the library opened its doors.
And in 1971, the Kibbie Dome opened for the first time. This building changed the skyline of Moscow and became one of the most well-known buildings on campus.
Today, the University of Idaho has branch campuses all around the state in cities like Boise, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Falls, and Twin Falls. Starting with just 40 students and now educating thousands, it is a part of Idaho history that is remarkable.
Were you familiar with the history of the University of Idaho? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. If you have more interesting facts about the history of this Idaho university, we’d love to hear those as well!
Today, if you are visiting the University of Idaho, head to the beautiful historic arboretum. This may become one of your favorite places on this Idaho campus.
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