From 1874 to 2024: A Historical Timeline | Sesquicentennial Celebration

A Walk Through History

An historical timeline from 1874 to today

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A student stands on the grass area near the JTSU while throwing a ball. Downtown Reno and the Frandsen Humanities Building are visible in the background. The Jot Travis Student Union was built in 1958 as the first student center on campus. The building became home to the Davidson Academy when the new student center, the Joe Crowley Student Union, was opened in 2007. Credit: Special Collections and University Archives Photograph CollectionJot Travis Student Union lawn, 1985

This 1905 photograph shows the Dining Hall under construction with Manzanita Lake in the foreground

1864-1908

In 1864, the Constitution of the State of Nevada calls for the creation of a “State University” with instruction in Agriculture, Mechanic Arts and Mining. Ten years later, the University of Nevada, Reno was founded.

1864-1908

This view shows the speakers' platform and audience gathered on the Quadrangle during the Mackay Science Building dedication ceremony. The Mackay School of Mines, also donated by Clarence Mackay in 1908, is seen in the background to the left of the photo and the Electrical Engineering Building and Mechanical Arts Building are seen from left to right behind the trees in the right side background.

1909-1938

The University begins to take hold, undergoing expansion through the dedicated support of donor Clarence Mackay, growing its physical footprint by more than 50%.

1909-1938

This photograph shows the facade of Artemisia Hall (photographic print, 5 x 7 inches). Artemisia Hall was completed in 1926 and served as a residential hall on campus. It was demolished in 1966.

1939-1979

The University experiences a transformation into a research-focused institution, expanding its enrollment, launching a branch in Las Vegas, and opening a new library.

1939-1979

The Pennington Student Achievement Center at night.

1980-Present

The University finds its purpose as a leading land-grant institution, with enrollment surpassing 21,000 students, and resulting in recognition as a Carnegie® R1 research university — joining a select group of universities across the country.

1980-Today