Antique 1844 University Tennessee Antebellum Diploma Printed on vellum with hand writing and signatures Original 19th century period document About the university: Founded in Knoxville in 1794 as Blount College after Tennessee?s first governor William Blount, East Tennessee College became a a state institution and in 1807 was renamed East Tennessee College. After closing for several years, the college reopened in 1820, purchasing 40 acres that established heart of the campus that exists today. The college?s fifth president, Joseph Estabrook, led a significant period of growth that began in 1834. In 1840, the Tennessee legislature ratified his vision by renaming the college East Tennessee University. After the Civil War, East Tennessee became the state's land grant university, and in 1879 the school was renamed the University of Tennessee. Signed by President Estabrook and others Measures about 10 x 11" Pre-owned, good condition, please review all photos Item location: Book Room, Paper 6 Student identity: Marshall Ney Laughlin 14 Feb 1821 (Missouri) 7 Apr 1889 (California) Died Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California Found at a Southern California, estate sale, likely descended in the family