On Apr. 18, 1831, the University of the State of Alabama (University of Alabama) opened, and by May 52 students had enrolled. The campus consisted of seven buildings: two faculty houses, two dormitories, the laboratory, the hotel (now Gorgas House), and the Rotunda.

In 1818, the federal government authorized Alabama Territory to set aside a township for the establishment of a “seminary of learning,” and in 1820, the University of the State of Alabama was officially established and named.