First Washburn University School of Law

Front of old Washburn University Law School

Quick Facts

Location:

1731 SW Plass Ave, Topeka, KS 66621

Significance:

The first law school for Washburn University

MANAGED BY:

Washburn University

In 1951 Washburn Law alumni found themselves on both sides of Brown v. Board of Education. Washburn College was established in 1857, when members of Topeka’s First Congregational Church decided the city needed a college, and on February 6, 1865, Lincoln College was incorporated. In 1868, the name of the school was changed to Washburn in honor of Ichabod Washburn, a Massachusetts industrialist who donated $25,000 to help support the college. In 1903, a school of law was established on the 3rd floor of the dry goods building located on west 8th street. Staff of the new law school consisted of just one full-time professor and 23 practicing attorneys serving as part time faculty. Forty students paid $50 a year to attend classes. The building continued to house the law school until 1911, when the school was moved to another downtown building. At a time when just gaining entrance to a law school was a battle for women and minorities, Washburn pioneered the entrance of African Americans and women into the legal field. The first African American graduated in 1910, and the first woman in 1912.

• First Washburn University School of Law

  
  

  Listen to the history surrounding the Washburn University's School of Law.

  Date created:

  06/08/2023

  Audio Transcript

  In 1951 Washburn Law alumni found themselves on both sides of Brown v. Board of Education. Washburn College was established in 1857, when members of Topeka’s First Congregational Church decided the city needed a college, and on February 6, 1865, Lincoln College was incorporated. In 1868, the name of the school was changed to Washburn in honor of Ichabod Washburn, a Massachusetts industrialist who donated $25,000 to help support the college. In 1903, a school of law was established on the 3rd floor of the dry goods building located on west 8th street. Staff of the new law school consisted of just one full-time professor and 23 practicing attorneys serving as part time faculty. Forty students paid $50 a year to attend classes. The building continued to house the law school until 1911, when the school was moved to another downtown building. At a time when just gaining entrance to a law school was a battle for women and minorities, Washburn pioneered the entrance of African Americans and women into the legal field. The first African American graduated in 1910, and the first woman in 1912.