David R. Francis Quadrangle Historic District

David R. Francis Quadrangle is the historical center of the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. It is named after Missouri governor David R. Francis, and is generally just called "The Quad". Within the quad are two of the most recognizable symbols of the school, Jesse Hall and The Columns. Academic Hall, the first building on MU's campus, was built in the middle of the present day quad. It burned on January 9, 1892, leaving only the famous six columns that now stand in the center of Francis Quadrangle. The Quad is the center of MU's Red Campus and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The quad and five buildings are perhaps the best surviving work of architect Morris Frederick Bell.