WUSTL Archives

In 1901, the University was in dire need of funds to help expand the campus. Robert S. Brookings came up with the idea of leasing some of the existing campus and newer buildings to the company planning to mark the 100th anniversary of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase (above, 1904 from Brookings Hall; the building in the left foreground is the Austria Pavilion, and in the right foreground is the Belgium Pavilion). Brookings signed a contract that gave the University $650,000 in rent, of which $500,000 would be used to construct three additional buildings on campus. With the lease income from the World's Fair, construction surged. Ridgley Library went up in 1902, and in the fall that year, the cornerstones were laid for Tower Hall dormitory (later renamed for John F. Lee, then again for Karl Umrath) and Francis Gymnasium.

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Washington University is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2003-04.

Special programs and announcements will be made throughout the yearlong observance.