Postcards from Mizzou

The University of Missouri's main campus in Columbia is known for its striking architectural features. Over the years the university campus has undergone several changes to reflect the changes in the student body and academic life. Often divided into Red Campus and White Campus, based on the red brick and white limestone used to construct buildings, Mizzou's campus is both beautiful and unique.

Architecture Spotlights

Red Campus - Jesse Hall

Located on Red Campus, Jesse Hall was built in 1895 under the eye of architect Morris Frederic Bell. It was named after Richard Henry Jesse, the 8th president of the University. Many of the Red Campus buildings, like Jesse, are influenced by Greek and Roman architecture, which was popular during the mid-18th century in Europe. 

Jesse Hall was built to replace Academic Hall which burned down in 1892. When first built, Jesse was used to house students, hold classes, and acted as part of the library.  It is now home to several offices of administration, as well as Jesse Auditorium. 

Ellis Library 

Ellis Library is located in the center of the University campus, occupying a space that bridges the Red and White Campus' - literally and decoratively. Like the other White Campus buildings, Ellis is made of limestone, but it lacks many of the other features that we see in buildings like Read or Waters Hall, also located on White Campus. Similar to several of the Red Campus buildings, the library boasts a Neo-Classical facade. 

Built in 1915, the library was named after Dr. Elmer Ellis, the 14th president of the University, and the first president of the UM System. Ellis was also the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and is credited with greatly enhancing the university's prestige. The library has undergone three major renovations since it was built, and currently houses Special Collections, the University Archives, government documents, and more. 

White Campus - Read Hall

Read Hall was built in 1903 by the architecture firm Cope and Stewardson. It was named after Daniel Read, president of the University from 1863-1876. Read is credited with the progressive act of opening the University to female students. 

As the enrollment of women at the University increased, Read Hall became the Women's Dormitory. It also acted as the temporary student union before Memorial Union was built. Eventually, it would become home to the History department. As part of the Space Reduction and Strategic Relocation plan, Read Hall was torn down in the summer of 2022. This was a great disappointment to many history students and faculty as they fought to preserve the building and its historic presence on campus.