History of Oregon State University - Corvallis College

Corvallis College

In 1856, a school building was constructed in the Willamette Valley at Corvallis. The structure would serve as home to a private academy until 1858. Named Corvallis Academy, this was the area's first community school for primary and preparatory education. The local chapter of the Freemasons played an important role in developing the concept to eventually establish a state college in the city and initiated the construction of the early campus with the original donation of land.

In 1858, what would become Oregon State University began as Corvallis College as it was formally incorporated by members of the Freemasons. At that time the school did not offer college level courses. Years later the school’s ownership was transferred to the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1865, William A. Finley was named as the school’s first president. The school as began offering a bachelors degree that year.