Geology Becomes a Department - 1871

Photo of George Swallow

George Swallow Trading Card. Courtesy of the Missouri Department of Natural History.

Geology Becomes a Department - 1871

In 1871 Switzler Hall (originally named Scientific Hall, then Agricultural Hall) was built in what is now known as Francis Quadrangle, and the first classes for the new MU College of Agriculture and Practical Arts were held there. It is the oldest classroom building still on campus. The expansion was needed as in 1867 there were about 200 graduates.

This is likely where the origins of Geology began as a department, under the direction of Swallow who came back in 1870 as chair of Natural History and Agricultural Departments, that same year being appointed Dean of MU Agriculture and Mechanical College. But he did several things to cause chaos in the system, including an argument with the university’s president, and was asked to resign, which he refused (1882) until the board declared his position vacant.

(Note: The course catalogue for 1871 showed geology under the Department of Mineralogy, Geology and Botany; though the same catalogue states the Agricultural and Mechanical College was in Columbia with its first class in 1870.)

The first class from the Agricultural and Mechanical College celebrated 27 students, which housed the Department of Mineralogy, Geology and Botany.

Students had a choice of three paths to take: Physical Geography, Botany or Mineralogy and Geology. Switzler included a library of minerals, rocks, and fossils; maps; illustration; sections on the structure and history of the Earth’s crust – all to “aid the student in reading the wonderful record of the Rocks,” states “The University of The State of Missouri” report, put out by the Curator of the Governor.