Both schools were authorized by state legislation in 1851 as the East Florida Seminary and West Florida Seminary.  The eastern started classes in 1853 and the western did in 1857. EFS did suspend classes during the civil war and was encouraged by a gift of land to reestablish in Gainesville after the Civil War.  Whatever your take on how hazy the connections of UF to EFS are, the fact is EFS merged with three other schools to become The University of Florida. I would consider the date classes started after the legislation to found the schools as the founding date as UF officials have also.  FSU decided in 2000 to change their founding date to coincide with the passing of the legislation and invited UF to do so.  UF didn't.  Those are the facts without any emotional argument over who can claim being older. opiemc 12:25 23 Jan 2009