University of Arizona in Tucson in Pima County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Old Main
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, January 10, 2010
1. Old Main Marker
On March 12, 1885 Governor Frederick A. Tritle signed legislation creating the University of Arizona. Selim M. Franklin and C.C. Stephens, Pima delegates to the 13th Territorial Legislature fathered this Bill. Jacob S. Mansfeld solicited the 40-acre site from William S. Read, E.B. Gifford and Ben C. Parker. James M. Creighton was architect; M.J. Sullivan, contractor. Groundbreaking was October 27, 1887. Classes started October 1, 1891, with 6 faculty, 6 freshmen and 26 preparatory students. "Old Main" is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Spanish Translation:
Erected by Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission and Arizona Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed
this page online
Location. 32° 13.913′ N, 110° 57.195′ W. Marker is in Tucson, Arizona, in Pima County. It is in University of Arizona. It can be reached from East University Boulevard. Marker has been moved to the lower east entrance of the building. Old Main is on the U of A campus and accessible from East University Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1428 E University Blvd, Tucson AZ 85719, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Arizona’s Sky Islands, in the Sonoran Desert, and in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Southwest. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also the Gadsden Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: USS Arizona Mall Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); U.S.S. Arizona 1916 - Wilber L. "Bill" Bower U of A Outstanding Achievement Awards (about 300 feet away); University Streetcar Line (approx. 0.2 miles away); John Campbell Greenway (approx. ¼ mile away); Eusebio Francisco Kino, S. J. (approx. ¼ mile away); George E. P. Smith Residence (approx. 0.3 miles away); Cannon-Douglass Residence (approx. 0.3 miles away); Bicentennial Moon Tree (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tucson.
Also see . . . University of Arizona. Website homepage (Submitted on March 23, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Additional keywords.
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, January 10, 2010
2. Old Main Marker
Spanish translation of marker text.
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 9, 2017
3. Old Main Marker
Maker is at the lower east entrance of Old Main. You may have to look around a bit to see it.
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, January 10, 2010
4. Old Main
Former location of Marker.
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, January 10, 2010
5. Old Main
View of Old Main from East University Blvd.
Photographed by Frederick D. Nichols, Photographer, circa January 1938
6. Old Main
Library of Congress, Prints and Photograph Division
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 12, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,767 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 12, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 3. submitted on October 9, 2017, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 4, 5. submitted on January 12, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 6. submitted on January 29, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
