The current University of Maryland was founded with the Maryland Agricultural College on March 6, 1856, and before the end of the decade has already acquired the land needed for installation. On October 6, 1859 was officially opened with 34 students enrolled. Less than three courses then granted his first titles. During the early years, the College through various economic problems. In 1867, reopens its doors with 11 students. After several decades of improvements, November 29, 1912 tragedy arrives on campus. A fire that arises during the Dance of Thanksgiving destroys half the classes and offices and housing buildings, but leaves no victims. In 1916 the name of the institution, which is now called Maryland State College is modified. That same year, the first female students enroll. With the happy 20 come good times: it is the University of Maryland , College Park and comprising Baltimore campus, the Graduate School delivers its first doctorates and the Association of American Universities (Association of American Universities) grants accreditation to the academic institution. Gradually, the dimensions of the University of Maryland begin to grow. In 1935 about 2,000 students enroll; in 1946, and it is about 10,000, and by the end of the century, in 1989, counted about 163,000. At that time the university already has five campuses, of which College Park is the flagship. Currently, the University of Maryland is one of the academic institutions with greater international recognition in the US, as evidenced by their presence in some international rankings of top universities. As a curiosity, it should be noted that they have taught in their classrooms, among others, the Nobel Prize in Literature Juan Ramon Jimenez and William Philips Physics. For more information, we recommend contacting the university: Flagship Institution of the University System of Maryland University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA Phone: 301.405.1000 * Shield of the University of Maryland. Source: University of Maryland