Storrs in Mansfield in Tolland County, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
First Step, Fallen Friend
University of Connecticut
— Commemorating UConn’s 125th Anniversary 2006 —
The history of the University of Connecticut can be traced back to the Storrs Agricultural School which opened on this site in1881 in the former Connecticut Soldiers’ Orphans’ Home. Later known as Old Whitney, the fifty-room wooden structure housed classrooms, student and faculty living quarters, and administrative offices. Having been razed in 1932, all that remains of UConn’s original educational building is this stone step that today lays in the exact location in which it was originally set in 1866.
Behind the step is the grave of Jonathan I. In the fall of 1934, students selected the Husky as their mascot, and the dog, an alumni gift, arrived on campus in December. Less than two months later, the animal was struck by a automobile, and was buried on February 19, 1935. The marker was added in 1940.
Erected 2006 by University of Connecticut.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.
Location. 41° 48.436′ N, 72° 14.778′ W. Marker is in Mansfield, Connecticut, in Tolland County. It is in Storrs. Marker is at the intersection of Storrs Road (Connecticut Route 195) and Oak Hill Road on Storrs Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1310 Storrs Rd, Storrs Mansfield CT 06268, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Historic Homesteads (here, next to this marker); 603 Gilbert (approx. 0.2 miles away); 604 Gilbert (approx. 0.2 miles away); University Life (approx. ¼ mile away); With Gratitude (approx. 0.3 miles away); University of Connecticut Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); Lakes and Stones (approx. 0.4 miles away); Benjamin Franklin Koons (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mansfield.
More about this marker. This marker is one of several placed around the campus celebrating UConn’s125th Anniversary in 2006.
Also see . . . History of the University of Connecticut. (Submitted on October 29, 2021, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2021, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 322 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 29, 2021, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.