Old Main, the oldest building on campus, is the "mother" of all the other buildings of the University of Arkansas. Initially it was called "the University building." In 1895, it was given a name that lasted the longest—University Hall—although for many years thereafter it was affectionately called "Old Main." The Board of Trustees corrected this in 1991 when, after a major renovation, it officially changed the name to Old Main.
Old Main is a survivor. It withstood major fires in October 1905, August 1919, and October 1940. It was the first Fayetteville structure to be entered in the National Register of Historic Places in June 1970 and among the first in Arkansas to be so designated.
After Arkansas Industrial University began classes in January 1872 in hastily built frame buildings, the University’s Board made plans to construct a permanent, substantial building. These plans were delayed by the failure of the federal government to issue land scrip (whereby land-grant colleges were funded). In April 1873, the land-scrip income was finally received and invested in Fayetteville and Washington County bonds, thus making $121,333 available for building purposes. The structure was based on plans that architect John M. Van Osdel of Chicago had drawn for the main building at the Illinois Industrial University. On July 4, 1873, the low bid of $123,855 of Mayes and Oliver of Fayetteville was accepted.
It now serves as the home of the Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences.
