Benton Hall

Benton Hall, the oldest building on the OSU campus, was built in 1887 for $25,000 with donations from the citizens of Corvallis and the surrounding communities.

Today, Benton Hall acts as a powerful symbol for the President's Circle-a building constructed from a spirit of unity and collective generosity.

Supporters of OSU at the President's Circle level ensure this spirit lives on through generous contributions to support students, scholarships, fellowships, professorships, research laboratories and more.

In 1885, The State Agricultural College Association of Citizens of Benton County was established to raise funds for a new building on part of the college farm site known as "College Hill."

The building was completed and the college moved from its downtown location in 1889. First called the College Building or the Administration Building, it has been known as Benton Hall since 1947. Benton Hall has housed the college's classroom and laboratory space, the library, the Office of the President, and administrative offices.

Currently, it is home to the Department of Music. While its uses and names have changed over the last century, Benton Hall remains the cornerstone and the emotional core of the Oregon State University campus.