The University of Alabama is founded at Tuscaloosa

Background. The General Assembly of Alabama established the seminary on December 18, 1820, naming it "The University of the State of Alabama" and creating a board of trustees. This board selected a site outside the city limits of Tuscaloosa, then the state capital, for the campus. William Nichols, architect of the Alabama State Capitol, was chosen to design the university buildings.

Opening of Instruction. The University of Alabama opened its doors to students on April 18, 1831, with Alva Woods serving as president. This event marked the start of academic instruction, distinct from the 1820 establishment. The opening contributed to the rapid growth of Tuscaloosa's population and economy, although the later relocation of the capital to Montgomery caused a decline.

Tuscaloosa Context. Tuscaloosa was the erstwhile state capital when the university site was chosen. The campus was located outside the city limits at the time. The university's presence became a dominant economic and cultural engine for the city, which is situated on the Black Warrior River in west-central Alabama.