U n i v e r s i t y  o f   C a l i f o r n i a

The Treaty of Guadeloupe Hidalgo, signed on February 2, 1848, put an end to the Mexican War, and California became the thirty-first state of the Union of the United States, nine days after gold was discovered at Coloma. It was not until September 9, 1850, however, that the constitution of California was written and became law. This document, simple, generous, and far-sighted, set aside certain lands to be used for educational purposes; but the contemplated establishment of a university did not find material manifestation until 20 years after.

Sather Gate, University of California at Berkeley, 1929.

    At the first session of the state legislature, held at San Jose from December 1849, to May 1850, Thomas H. Green gave notice of intention to introduce a bill to establish and endow a state university to be known as Collegio de Mineria. In November 1850, at the earnest solicitation of Senator Green for Federal assistance, Secretary of the Treasury R. J. Walker enthusiastically endorsed the project and in speaking of it said: "This greatest university that has ever existed upon the earth should, without neglecting other subjects, give especial prominence to mines and mining."

    In 1863 a resolution was passed by both houses of the state legislature appointing a commission to frame a report on the establishment of a university "to embrace an agricultural college, a mining college, and a museum." Under the administration of Governor Low, on March 31,1866, an act was passed in accordance with the recommendations of this commission.

From July 1929 article by Dean Frank H. Probert, The Mining Congress Journal