Celebrating 125 Years!
Frostburg State University
Frostburg State University began as State Normal School #2. In 1898, there was a great need for teachers to have proper training so they could educate their students. Many potential teachers in western Maryland could not travel to Baltimore to be trained due to expenses and travel time, and even fewer teachers wanted to move to what they considered the hinterlands to teach.
As a result, State Normal School #2 was proposed to provide “normalized” training in Western Maryland. Supporters of the new school were able to get an amendment in the Appropriations Bill for 1898 which provided “For the erection of a building at Frostburg, Allegany County, to be known as State Normal School #2, the sum of $20,000 and for the support of said school, when established, $5,000 annually, provided that the people of the town of Frostburg furnish the ground for the site of said building and deed the same to the state.”
The community of Frostburg worked together to raise funds to buy the property at a purchase price of $2,000. There were several donors who were prominent members of the community. However, the majority of those who contributed to the cause were coal miners who donated a considerable portion of their paychecks so the school could be built. Thanks to the community, the amount collected surpassed what was needed to purchase the property as well as help with other expenses.
On June 27, 1899, the ground was broken for State Normal School #2, and construction was completed in November 1900. However, due to the state legislators’ reluctance to fund the $5,000 annual appropriation, State Normal School #2 was not able to open its doors until September 15, 1902, to 57 students.
From those humble beginnings, State Normal School #2 transitioned to Frostburg Teacher’s College, Frostburg State College and finally into the regional comprehensive institution known today as Frostburg State University. FSU now offers over 100 academic programs; provides a transformational educational experience for the students who attend; serves as a cultural hub for the region; and continues to be a successful and major economic driver for Allegany County and the surrounding region.
Timeline
Learn about the timeline from State Normal School to Frostburg State University.
125 Stories
Read stories from the past 125 years.
Events
Save the date to be a part of the 125th celebration.
