Buckman Hall, along with Thomas Hall, was one the two buildings that comprised the University of Florida at its opening for Fall Semester 1906. These buildings provided all the services of the University from dormitories to classroom, faculty and administrative offices. During World War I, soldiers lived in Buckman Hall and drilled on the adjacent field. The North wing of Buckman was used for classrooms until after World War II. Each of the entrances to the individual suites is headed by a plaque with a Renaissance inspired figure, often called the “Anguished Scholar.” The building was named for Henry Buckman, the legislator who authorized the higher education consolidation bill, known as the Buckman Act, which established the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Architect: William Edwards 1914; library addition by Rudolph Weaver 1939; East wing and dean’s office by Guy Fulton 1949-50
Contractor: W. T. Hudlow
Building Name: U.S. Senator Nathan Bryan, first chair of the State Board of Control for Florida Universities