Stanford University opens

Background. Leland Stanford Junior University was founded in 1885 by railroad magnate Leland Stanford and his wife Jane to honor their only child, Leland Jr., who died of typhoid at age 15. The Stanfords created foundational plans in November 1885, establishing the university on their former Palo Alto farm. The institution was intended for agricultural studies and opened as a coeducational, non-denominational entity.

Opening. The university officially opened on October 1, 1891, holding its opening exercises on this date. It admitted its first students in 1891, operating as a coeducational and non-denominational institution. The campus included galleries and a courtyard established by Jane and Leland Stanford as a memorial to their son. Fraternities and sororities have been active on campus since this initial opening.

Financials. The university's endowment began in 1885 when Leland and Jane conveyed approximately $20 million to the institution. The Stanfords donated approximately $40 million total to develop the university. The institution struggled financially after Leland died in 1893, but Jane Stanford insisted the university remain in operation throughout the financial crisis, funding and operating it almost single-handedly.