Texas A&M University was founded in 1876 one hundred years after the birth of our nation. Six students enrolled on the first day in 1876 and it has now become the fourth-largest university in the United States with a fall 2013 enrollment of 56,255. Initially all students were required to participate in the Corps of Cadets and receive military training. Until 1965 Corps membership was mandatory. Also it wasn’t until 1963 that women were even allowed to enroll in the all male college. Now there are more women than men at this school.
It is interesting to note that during World War II Texas A&M produced over 20,000 combat troops of which over 70 percent served as officers. This was more than any other school; more than the combined total of the United States Naval Academy and the United States Military Academy. During this war 29 Texas A&M graduates reached the rank of general. Pretty impressive indeed… When I first moved to this area Texas A&M had about 13,000 students but now it has recently passed the University of Texas as the largest university in Texas. Its main campus is one of the largest in America with over 5,500 acres and it is also home to the George Bush Presidential Library. Therefore it is a great place to take a nice long walk.
Steeped in history it is also rich in traditions and it is these traditions that give Aggies (what they call students who attend Texas A&M) the sense of pride that many exhibit by offering up a “Howdy” as you stroll across campus. The campus is a vast area with well planned green space and beautiful live oaks everywhere.
Walking amongst the old architecture I love looking at and admiring the little architectural details on many of the older buildings. We even had the pleasure of taking some of our RV friends who were passing through town on nice walk through the University. Read their account if you would like on their blog Goan’s On. Our walks in these schools of higher learning always leave us feeling a little more energized…
We took a long walk around that campus. It is so beautiful. the architecture is so well done.
ReplyDeleteAs former educators we also enjoy touring colleges and universities in the areas we are visiting. Maybe someday we'll have the opportunity to ride our bikes around this campus. Looks like some interesting architecture.
ReplyDeleteAnd we now need to address you as Yes General, sir, yes sir? Looks like an absolutely gorgeous campus. I still like Auburn best if the ones we've visited.
ReplyDeleteOne place we have not done is visiting campuses. Not sure if we ever will but your architecture shots are great. Interesting.
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful campus. I always enjoyed working there as a sales rep.
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