IONIC COLUMNS - Columbia, Missouri
Posted by: 
BruceS
N 38° 56.784 W 092° 19.725
15S E 558168 N 4311042
The traditional symbol of the University of Missouri, "The Columns" were part of the first building built on campus.
Waymark Code: WM3M3G
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 04/19/2008
Views: 71
Six ivy-clad IONIC COLUMNS are in the center of the quadrangle. These,
once part of the portico of the original University Building, remained standing
after the fire of 1892, and have become a traditional relic of the university..
~ from Missouri: A Guide to the "Show Me" State, 1941, Columbia section pg.
212
"The traditional symbol of the University of Missouri-Columbia is the row of
six Ionic columns. The Columns once supported the portico of Academic Hall, the
first building erected on campus. Academic Hall was built between 1840 and 1843
from plans drawn by A. Stephen Hills, designer of the Missouri State Capitol. It
consisted of a domed central section of three stories with two wings and housed
both educational and administrative facilities. Brick for the building was fired
on campus. Limestone for the Columns was obtained from the nearby Hinkson Creek
Valley and was hauled to the building by ox-drawn carts.
On Jan. 9, 1892, Academic Hall was destroyed by fire and the Columns were all
that remained. In August 1893 the Board of Curators voted to remove the Columns,
considering them not only unsafe but unsightly. However, supporters of the
Columns rallied to their defense, and after inspection showed the foundations
were safe, the Board voted to retain them in December 1893. Now the Columns
stand as a beloved part of MU's campus." ~
University of Missouri website