Harding History Tour

In This Section
  • This is an illustration of Harding's Front Lawn and David B. Burks American Heritage Building.

    Take a walk down memory lane with the self-guided Harding History Tour!



This is an illustration of the Harding College arch.

Harding College Arch

Harding began as a senior college in Morrilton, Arkansas, in 1924 when Arkansas Christian College and Harper College merged their facilities and assets.

This is an illustration of Pattie Cobb Hall.

Pattie Cobb Hall

Although it was built in 1919 as part of Galloway Women’s College, Pattie Cobb Hall was named in 1934 for the wife of James A. Harding.

This is an illustration of Olen Hendrix.

Olen Hendrix Building

As one of two original structures remaining on campus, the Olen Hendrix Building has housed many departments.

This is an illustration of the Front Lawn.

Front Lawn

On Thanksgiving Day, 1939, the community gathered on the front lawn for an impromptu bonfire to burn Harding’s mortgage papers, finally paid in full.

This is an illustration of the Bell Tower.

Bell Tower

Harding was accredited in 1954, which was celebrated by the ringing of the Bell Tower.

This is an illustration of the Pryor-England Science Center.

NASA Research

Harding students and faculty have been conducting research in partnership with NASA since 1966.

This is an illustration of University Arch.

Harding University Arch

In 1979, Harding’s board of trustees approved a transition to University status.

This is an illustration of the HUF villa.

International Programs

International programs began at Harding in 1980, with the first location in Florence, Italy.

This is an illustration of the Brackett Library.

Brackett Library

In 1988, the Beaumont Memorial Library was essentially torn down to become the Brackett Library.

This is an illustration of the First Ladies Garden at Harding University.

First Ladies Garden

In 2015, the First Ladies Garden was dedicated as a tribute to the women who have graciously served the University as first ladies.

This is an illustration of the Botham Jean Memorial.

Botham Jean Memorial

In honor of alumnus Botham Shem Jean, we challenge all who pass by his memorial to “Be Like Bo” and live lives of empathy, integrity and compassion.

This is an illustration of the Anthony and Wright Administration Building.

Anthony & Wright Administration Building

The Anthony & Wright Administration Building has been the center of campus activity since 1952 but was named and dedicated during Homecoming 2021.

This is an illustration of the Harding College arch.

Harding College Arch

Harding began as a senior college in Morrilton, Arkansas, in 1924 when Arkansas Christian College and Harper College merged their facilities and assets.

This is an illustration of Pattie Cobb Hall.

Pattie Cobb Hall

Although it was built in 1919 as part of Galloway Women’s College, Pattie Cobb Hall was named in 1934 for the wife of James A. Harding.

This is an illustration of Olen Hendrix.

Olen Hendrix Building

As one of two original structures remaining on campus, the Olen Hendrix Building has housed many departments.

This is an illustration of the Front Lawn.

Front Lawn

On Thanksgiving Day, 1939, the community gathered on the front lawn for an impromptu bonfire to burn Harding’s mortgage papers, finally paid in full.

This is an illustration of the Bell Tower.

Bell Tower

Harding was accredited in 1954, which was celebrated by the ringing of the Bell Tower.

This is an illustration of the Pryor-England Science Center.

NASA Research

Harding students and faculty have been conducting research in partnership with NASA since 1966.

This is an illustration of University Arch.

Harding University Arch

In 1979, Harding’s board of trustees approved a transition to University status.

This is an illustration of the HUF villa.

International Programs

International programs began at Harding in 1980, with the first location in Florence, Italy.

This is an illustration of the Brackett Library.

Brackett Library

In 1988, the Beaumont Memorial Library was essentially torn down to become the Brackett Library.

This is an illustration of the First Ladies Garden at Harding University.

First Ladies Garden

In 2015, the First Ladies Garden was dedicated as a tribute to the women who have graciously served the University as first ladies.

This is an illustration of the Botham Jean Memorial.

Botham Jean Memorial

In honor of alumnus Botham Shem Jean, we challenge all who pass by his memorial to “Be Like Bo” and live lives of empathy, integrity and compassion.

This is an illustration of the Anthony and Wright Administration Building.

Anthony & Wright Administration Building

The Anthony & Wright Administration Building has been the center of campus activity since 1952 but was named and dedicated during Homecoming 2021.