The Nebraska Normal College was founded on this site in 1891 as a private institution and was largely the creation of Professor James M. Pile. In 1909 the State Legislature appropriated funds to purchase the campus, and in 1910 the college opened under state auspices. Its original mission remained teacher education in a two-year curriculum, and in 1921 it became a four-year degree granting institution. It later expanded its program to include study leading to liberal arts and Master’s degrees. A nearby cornerstone came from the Commerce and Arts Building, which stood in this vicinity, and the bell came from the first building of the Nebraska Normal College. John G. Neihardt, later Poet Laureate of Nebraska, rang this bell in the 1890’s to signal dismissal and the convening of classes, earning most of his college expense money through this work. In its present location, the bell was rung for many years to announce victories in inter-collegiate athletics. The college counts among its graduates outstanding educators, members of the United States Congress, and a governor of Nebraska.