Murray State University was established in 1922. Its founder, Rainey T. Wells (1875-1958), conceived the idea for the university at his home, 350 feet southeast of here, and later served as Murray State's second president. Governor Morrow signed a bill on March 8, 1922, authorizing two normal schools, one in eastern Kentucky and one in western Kentucky. Murray was chosen as the site for the western Kentucky school on September 17, 1922, and it opened on September 24, 1923. Dr. John W. Carr (1859-1960) was the first president, and his home stood 285 feet southwest. To bring the school to Murray, citizens of Calloway County gave Kentucky $17,000 to acquire land for the campus and $100,000 to construct the Administration Building 150 feet northeast of here.