Kentucky University

Kentucky University merged with Transylvania University in the 1860s.

From the description of Broadside, ca. 1870s. (Filson Historical Society, The). WorldCat record id: 46606948

Historical note: Kentucky University was chartered in 1858 in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, largely through the efforts of John B. Bowman. It had formerly operated as Bacon College. The institution was closely tied to the Disciples of Christ Church whose members were to comprise two-thirds of its trustees. The university's enrollment declined severely with the coming of the Civil War, and following the destruction of its principal building by fire in 1864, it was removed to Lexington, Kentucky where it merged with Transylvania University. The combined institution retained the name Kentucky University until 1908 when it was renamed Transylvania University.

From the description of Records, 1857-1865. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 191917638

Historical note: Kentucky University was founded in Harrodsburg in 1858 through the efforts of John B. Bowman, and with the support of the Disciples of Christ Church. Bowman's ambitions for the institution extended beyond the operation of a denominational college, and in 1865 he secured, through the state legislature, a merger of Kentucky University with Transylvania University in Lexington, and the establishment of a state-supported agricultural and mechanical college within this enlarged university structure. In 1865 the university enrolled students in colleges of law, arts, and the Bible on the campus of Transylvania, and in the following year opened the Agricultural and Mechanical College.

The university fell into controversy almost immediately as a result of its joint state and private denominational funding. This controversy extended throughout the next decade and culminated in the removal of the Agricultural and Mechanical College and the College of the Bible, and the forced resignation of John Bowman as regent in 1878.

The institution that remained was essentially a small, private liberal arts college, although it did operate at various periods departments of law (1872-1880, 1892-1895, 1905-1912) and medicine (in Louisville, 1898-1907). It was renamed Transylvania University in 1908. The College of the Bible continued in operation on the same campus until 1950, sharing many faculty members with the university. The college became Lexington Theological Seminary in 1965. The Agricultural and Mechanical College operated exclusively with state support and eventually became the University of Kentucky.

From the description of Records, 1855-1933, (bulk 1865-1908). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 191917639