K-State History

On July 2, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed into law the Morrill Act, which allowed for the creation of land-grant colleges in eligible U.S. territories.  On Feb. 16, 1863, Bluemont Central College in Manhattan, Kan., became Kansas State Agricultural College, the first operational school created under the Morrill Act.  The university, now known as Kansas State University continues to thrive. The following timeline highlights the journey through the first 150 years. 

University name changes

1863-1931

Kansas State Agricultural College

1931-1959

Kansas State College of Agriculture and Applied Science

1959-present

Kansas State University

K-State Presidents

Fourteen presidents have led Kansas State University since Joseph Denison took the helm in 1863. From ordained ministers, agricultural specialists and a Harvard graduate to a physicist, the brother of a U.S. president and an engineer, these leaders have come from all walks of life and left their mark on the institution.

World War I Memorial Stadium

The stadium commemorates the sacrifice of more than 1,200 Aggies from Kansas State Agricultural College called into service when the United States entered World War I in 1917 . During the course of the war, 48 of them paid the ultimate price and lost their lives in service of their country.