Founding of Brigham Young University in Provo

Background. Brigham Young, an advocate for education, sought to establish institutions that would later become the University of Utah and Brigham Young University. He hoped to see an Academy in Provo where the children of the Latter-day Saints could receive a good education unmixed with atheistic influences found in many higher schools. After financial difficulty forced another closure, Young deeded property in Provo to trustees on October 16, 1875, to create an institution of learning.

Establishment. The founding date is commonly held as October 16, 1875, when Young deeded buildings and land in Provo to a board of trustees. The institution was initially part of the University of Deseret but became Brigham Young Academy in 1876. Classes commenced on January 3, 1876, marking the operational start of the academy under the leadership of Karl Maeser.

Leadership. Brigham Young selected Karl Maeser, a Saxon immigrant, as the principal. Dusenberry served as interim principal for several months until April 1876, when Maeser arrived. Maeser led the academy, which was the precursor to Brigham Young University. The school's organization retained remnants of the academy days until later reorganization into a true university.