When the state government moved to Des Moines in 1857, Old Capitol was deeded to The University of Iowa and became the first building owned by the University. The UI's charter was made official by the First Iowa General Assembly in 1847 in Old Captol, just 59 days after Iowa's final admission to statehood. The University opened its doors to students in March 1855, conducting classes in a rented building. Since 1857 Old Capitol has been a focal point of the University, serving as library, chapel, and armory and providing space for classrooms and offices as the University grew. Today, it continues to serve both functionally and symbolically, housing offices and highlighting the University's progress.
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