Central University (Richmond, Ky.)

Central University, a nineteenth century institution in Richmond, Kentucky, had its origins in a schism within the Presbyterian Church growing out of the Civil War. The Presbyterian synods of the Confederate states severed relations with the national organization, and in Kentucky, as a result of the Kentucky General Assembly's 1861 decision to support the Union cause, the Northern and Southern factions competed for control of Centre College in Danville. After the Southern faction lost several court appeals, it decided to form a separate institution, establishing Central University at Richmond on September 22, 1874. Of the $220,000 endowment, $101,000 was contributed by the citizens of Richmond and the rest of Madison County. A College of Letters and Science, a Preparatory Department, and a College of Law were located in Richmond, and a College of Medicine and Dentistry in Louisville. In 1901 financial considerations resulted in the merger of Central with Centre College on the Danville campus. The eight buildings and campus at Richmond became the property of what later became Eastern Kentucky University. Two of Central University's more distinguished leaders during its quarter century of existence were chancellor Robert L. Breck (1874-80) and Lindsay Blanton (1880-1901).

Source: The Kentucky Encyclopedia, 1992