hen the Agricultural and mechanical College of Texas officially opened its doors on October 4, 1876, it began a grand experiment in public higher education for the State of Texas.  Two documents located in the University Archives provide rare insight into the beginning of the school  The first is a brief statement of objectives of the College (printed in handbill form) and read to the assembled crowd by Governor Richard Coke in his dedication of ten school "to the cause of liberal, scientific and practical education."  Indeed it is obvious from Coke's address that he was quite proud of the simplicity of purpose.  The second is a newspaper article that details the actual opening ceremony.  These documents provide a flavor of a simpler time and place.   

Special telegram to the Galveston News:  Bryan, October 4, 1876
    The opening and dedication of the Agricultural and Mechanical College took place today.  Two of the directors, Governor Coke and Major Davis [B. H. Davis of Bryan] and all of the faculty were present and participated in the ceremonies.  Three or four hundred of our citizens were in attendance. 
    At 2 o'clock P.M. the opening address was delivered by Gov. Coke.  IT was able and eloquent and deserves to be preserved among the archives of the institution.
  This was followed by an impromptu and telling address by President Gathright after which the audience retired to the steward's hall to partake of a sumptuous repast prepared for the occasion by the fair ladies of Bryan.  There auspiciously has begun a new era of education in Texas and, though the attendance of students is not large, there being not more than 50 cadets present, yet a start has been made and this number will rapidly swell up to 300 or 400 during the session.  The faculty is one of the ablest in the South.  The facilities are equal to those of any other college and there is no reason why this shall not at once take a front among the institutions to the country.