Civil War – 1861-1867

University President Lathrop held office until 1849, when Rev. James Shannon took the position for another six years. Other successors were W. W. Hudson and B.B. Minor who held office until classes were suspended during the Civil War (1862) as its buildings were occupied by U.S. troops, states “The University of The State of Missouri” report, put out by the Curator of the Governor. For some time during this period, there was no president of the university, even though the board attempted to recruit some into the office or elect a president.

(Note: Lathrop returned for his second term to the university as professor of English literature. Then in 1865, he was reelected president of the university, and held office until 1866, his death.)

This was a time of the three-day battle at Pea Ridge in Arkansas where the Union Army forced the Confederates from Missouri (excluding the state guard) to retreat. The result? The end of Confederate military control in Missouri. Also of note, before the war ended, Missouri put into law an act to abolish slavery in the state.

It was also a time of great disruption for geologic work, due to guerilla raids, riots, and street fights, according to “A Culture of Geology.” The “University” where geology classes were still held, was taken over in 1862 by the U.S. military who used it for headquarters, barracks for troops and a prison for those caught at war.

Still a scattering of professors and students remained, with one student graduating in 1863 and five in 1865. Lathrop was followed by Daniel Read (1867), the president incumbent, who was unanimously elected to the role, states “The University of The State of Missouri” report.

At that time, the university was in debt and had no State funding, buildings were falling apart, and fences around campus dilapidated. Nothing was left of the president’s house, except a stack of chimneys and a few broken walls due to fire in November 1865.

Read wasn’t even sure he wanted the president’s role of such a campus until the Legislature came through with $10,000 for repairs and promise of more. Boone County kicked in another $30,000 cash and 640 acres of land worth $60,000 to the university, based on Read’s proposed plans for the university, creating the Agricultural College (headed by Geologist C. Swallow) and the School of Mines (located in Rolla) in 1870. This is the same year the university was accorded land-grant status.