Francis Quadrangle

Francis Quadrangle is a historic district on the University of Missouri campus featuring seventeen buildings arranged around a central lawn. The layout creates a defined academic space with classical proportions that form the heart of the university's oldest section.

A major fire destroyed Academic Hall in 1892, the core building of the early campus. Governor David R. Francis obtained funding to rebuild and expand the area, creating the layout that exists today.

The six columns serve as a gathering place for students during graduation ceremonies and other university traditions that mark important moments. You can watch how this space shapes the rhythm of campus life and brings people together for shared celebrations.

The space is open to visitors who can walk freely through the buildings and open areas to explore the layout and architecture. Visit during daylight hours to see the details of the structures and get a full sense of how the different parts connect.

Thomas Jefferson's original tombstone was placed on the eastern side of the quadrangle, a gift from his descendants that honors Missouri's historical link to Virginia. This unusual memorial creates a rare connection between two important places in American history.

Location: Columbia

GPS coordinates: 38.94611,-92.32889

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:47