Founded in 1887 as the State Normal College for Colored Students, this college began classes with fifteen students and two instructors. However, always striving to become an institution of higher learning, it received funds in 1891 under the Second Morrill Act for agricultural and mechanical arts education, and therefore became Florida's land grant institution for African-Americans. It was later moved from Copeland Street (now the site of Florida State University) to its present location, and its name was changed to the State Normal and Industrial College for Colored Students.

    Continuing to flourish, the name was again changed in 1909 to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes (FAMC), and finally in 1953 the college's name was changed by legislative action to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical (A&M) University. Now a four-year, public, co-educational and fully accredited institution, there are an estimated 10,257 students, with university assets are valued over $190 million and a current operating budget of over $210 million.

    Located in Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, the main campus extends over 419 acres on the highest of seven hills, with 131 buildings among its 12 schools and colleges. Although possessing a College of Law from 1954 to 1968, it was dismantled because of lack of funding. However, it was recently officially resurrected by the Governor of Florida, and plans are underway to find a suitable location (possibly Orlando, Tampa, Lakeland, or Daytona Beach).

    Rich in history, one of the most prestigious buildings on campus is the library facility, erected as the result of a $10,000 gift from Andrew Carnegie, when a major hall was destroyed by fire. For years it held the distinction of being the only Carnegie Library located on an African-American land-grant college.

    Off campus diversions encompass the big bend area of the Florida panhandle including restored historic homes and buildings, the Civil War site of the Battle of Natural Bridge, the Apalachicola National Forest, Maclay State Gardens, the Gulf of Mexico, and the miles of trails for hiking and biking.

ADDRESS: Wahnish Way & Gamble Street, Tallahassee, FL
PHONE: 850-599-3000
WEBSITE: http://www.famu.edu