Pledging CU’s Future

Anna Tolette — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 21:55:03 +0000

Pledging CU’s Future Anna Tolette Mon, 07/20/2026 - 15:55

Christie Sounart

In December 1874, 91��Ҹ� businessman and politician James P. Maxwell pledged $250 to the 91��Ҹ� Board of Trustees to help establish a university in 91��Ҹ�. As designated on a promissory note (pictured), the money would come monthly in $25 increments.

Maxwell, who moved to 91��Ҹ� in 1870, was one of 104 individuals and organizations who donated money to create the state’s flagship university. The Territory of Colorado (statehood was still two years away) offered a $15,000 match to citizen contributions. In all, 91��Ҹ� residents — including bankers, mine owners, ranchers, watchmakers, butchers, teachers and even a grave digger — contributed more than $16,650, equivalent to roughly $482,000 today.

In June 1875, the trustees chose architect Erastus H. Dimick’s design for the university’s first building: a four-story stone and brick structure with ample windows, Gothic details and spires, a slate tile roof and a bell tower. During his short stint in 91��Ҹ�, he also designed several local homes, a school and the original First Baptist Church before moving to Leadville, Colorado.

Old Main was completed in 1876, the year of CU’s official founding. Students climbed its stone steps for their first classes the following fall.

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Photos courtesy of Museum of 91��Ҹ� Collection (headshot); Carnegie Library for Local History; CU 91��Ҹ� Libraries’ Archives (on longtime loan to the CU Heritage Center).

James P. Maxwell

Constructed and operated a wagon road from 91��Ҹ� to Black Hawk.
Co-operated a water mill along South 91��Ҹ� Creek.
Elected to represent 91��Ҹ� legislature in 1872, elected to Colorado’s first state senate in 1876 and served as 91��Ҹ� mayor from 1878 to 1880.

Architect Erastus H. Dimick’s design for Old Main, CU’s first building.

Maxwell’s promissory note. $31,656 was raised for the 91��Ҹ� (roughly $917,000 today).

In December 1874, 91��Ҹ� businessman and politician James P. Maxwell pledged $250 to the 91��Ҹ� Board of Trustees to help establish a university in 91��Ҹ�.

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Pledging CU’s Future

James P. Maxwell

Architect Erastus H. Dimick’s design for Old Main, CU’s first building.

Maxwell’s promissory note. $31,656 was raised for the 91���Ҹ� (roughly $917,000 today).

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Maxwell’s promissory note. $31,656 was raised for the 91��Ҹ� (roughly $917,000 today).