The University of Arkansas is distinctive among the nation's land-grant universities in that it incorporated teacher education from its inception. After the Civil War, the growing demand for public school teachers was met mainly by the establishment of free-standing "normal schools" in the various states. In Arkansas, however, the Organic Act of 1871 mandated "the location, organization and maintenance of the Arkansas Industrial University with normal department therein." The Normal Department opened in 1872 and, for decades, the University of Arkansas was the largest supplier of teachers statewide. Its College of Education and Health Professions continues that tradition as one of the leading producers of teachers.
This marker is located at the entrance to Peabody Hall.
Year Placed: 2000