History and Tradition

Built with local limestone, the six Ionic-style columns on Francis Quadrangle originally supported Mizzou’s first campus building — Academic Hall.  After a fire destroyed Academic Hall in 1892, the Columns were all that remained. Now, they are a testament to our shared history and a symbol of the University of Missouri, which is a flagship, land-grant institution providing more than 300 degree programs and one of only 71 universities across the U.S. and Canada to be a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities.  The Columns signify a place where discovery, innovation and hard work combine to solve the world’s grand challenges.

The Columns are part of multiple traditions on campus including Tiger Walk, the symbolic run through the Columns to for incoming freshman. Today the Columns are more than just a landmark. They are synonymous with Mizzou and its world class educational services and college, graduate and post-graduate courses, as well as Mizzou’s top-tier athletic events and programs.

Unique Columns branded merchandise can be found at retailers carrying licensed Mizzou products!

If interested in licensing the Columns trademark, please reach out to licensing@missouri.edu.