Beaver Tracks @ Oregon State University Libraries and Press

The first cornerstone was laid for the new Administration Building on Corvallis’ “College Hill” in 1887 - and our university was born. Known as Benton Hall since 1947, the first building on campus was completed in 1888, with the college moved in by the end of 1889. Benton Hall has served the university in many capacities. It originally housed all college’s classrooms, administrative offices, and lab space. Though you would have found the library there until 1918 and the President’s Office until 1923, today the melodies drifting from open windows are evidence of the resident department since 1916 – the Music Department!