The year was 1885 and the mood was mean. The cities and counties
needed money and the territorial legislature controlled the purse strings. There were
two major prizes to be won from the legislature that year. Phoenix and Prescott came out
on top. Phoenix was given the asylum for the insane and Prescott kept the state capital.
Tucson received an unwelcome consolation prize of The University of Arizona, and with it,
a measly $25,000 appropriation, just one quarter of the amount Phoenix received to build
the insane asylum.
Finally, on Nov. 27, 1886, the owners agreed and the deed was filed. A year later, on Oct.
27, 1887, ground was broken for the building that was to be known as Old Main. There were
two major prizes to be won from the legislature that year. Phoenix and Prescott came out
on top. Phoenix was given the asylum for the insane and Prescott kept the state capital.
Tucson received an unwelcome consolation prize of The University of Arizona, and with it,
a measly $25,000 appropriation, just one quarter of the amount Phoenix received to build
the insane asylum.
Finally, on Nov. 27, 1886, the owners agreed and the deed was filed. A year later, on Oct.
27, 1887, ground was broken for the building that was to be known as Old Main.
Look at the university now!
Arizona stadium is surrounded by tailgaters.
Port-a-Pit caterer Daniel Esparza grills up a few dogs to feed to hungry fans before the football game against Oregon State. Arizona Daily Wildcat photo
Tents
Team Tiles
Thunder Mug
