In 1978, LSU was named a sea-grant college, the 13th university in the nation to be so designated and the highest classification attainable in the program. LSU is one of only 25 universities to be designated as both land grant and sea grant. The institution's main building is completed in Pineville, Louisiana. Col. W.T. Sherman accepts position as superintendent. Only later would Louisiana officially secede from the Union.
Student body disbands for enlistment.
W.R. Boggs temporarily assumes head post. Seminary reopens under the Rev. W.E.M. Linfield as acting superintendent. Prof. William A. Seay becomes superintendent. Seminary closes after invasion of Red River Valley by federal forces under Gen. Banks. Military equipment donated to the Confederate Army, but library and other items destroyed by order of Gen. T. Kilby Smith of the U.S. Army.