Historical markers showcase UConn’s past

A series of historical markers were erected across campus last week, giving the UConn community and visitors an easy-to-read primer on the University's history.

Placed in 11 key spots across campus, the signs are close replicas of the historic markers found along the nation's roadsides and at Civil War sites.

They highlight people, places, and events in UConn's history, and are part of the University's 125th anniversary celebrations.

"It's a great way to give the tens of thousands of students and visitors on campus every year a way to connect to the past, to get a glimpse of some of the building blocks of what today is a magnificent university campus," says Meg Malmborg, director of the Lodewick Visitor's Center and co-chair of the University's 125th anniversary planning committee.

Most of the markers highlight buildings that were constructed during the first half of the 20th century, including "Old Campus," the quadrangle formed by the Wilbur Cross Building (1939), Benton Museum (1920), Wood and Hall dorms (1940), Storrs Hall (1905 - UConn's first brick residence hall), and Koons Hall (1913).

A marker in front of North Campus explains that those residence halls, as well as Northwest residence halls, were built in 1950 to house the hundreds of returning war veterans who enrolled, noting that North was quickly dubbed "The Jungle," because the veterans were so "spirited."

Markers also have been erected at the north end of Mirror Lake (formed in 1922), adjacent to Whitney House and the Honors House, the two oldest buildings on campus; beside the Student Union (built in 1952); behind Hawley Armory (1915); on Gilbert Road, known in the late 1800s and early 1900s as "Faculty Row;" and near the intersection of North Eagleville and Storrs roads, the site of a former orphanage where UConn began in 1881.