university entire houses
1857-1863

After the legislature moved to Des Moines, Old Capitol housed the entire University until 1863, when the University's second building, South Hall, was occupied. Chancellor Amos Dean opened a library in 1857 and a museum of natural history in 1858, both on the second floor of Old Capitol. The building also provided space for all offices and classrooms--including a chapel, an armory, and a fire station.