History & Traditions

UA History:

The University of Arizona came into being in a time when college education was neither common nor a high priority. Classes met for the first time in 1891 with 32 students and six teachers. The first two colleges, Agriculture and Mines, held classes in the university's only building -- Old Main -- which is still in use today

UA History Tour
View the history of the UA from 1885 to 1970.
Tucson History
A brief history of the city that is home to the UA.

UA Traditions:
Traditions make Wildcats feel at home on campus and generate lifelong UA pride. Singing Bear Down, painting "A" Mountain, ringing the USS Arizona bell and many other customs bind Wildcats together as family. Learn about UA's history, its unique traditions and "Bear Down, Arizona!"

Traditions Tour
Learn about the UA's colors, fight songs, mascots and more.

Did You Know?

UA's original colors were sage green and silver.
The University's first mascot, introduced in 1915, was a real desert bobcat named Rufus Arizona.