The article I had the opportunity to consult is entitled "The burning of the University of Alabama » by Clark E. Center, Jr. Center in this article highlights the events leading up to and following the destruction of the University of Alabama. The University began in 1831 and was "modeled after the universities of...the East" and "had been founded to provide a classical education to the youth of the State and to prepare them for the service of the Church, of the state and society. Early in the university's history, discipline among students was a dilemma. As school codes had failed to reduce inappropriate behavior, university president Landon C. Garland instituted a military system at the university. Garland studied at other military academies such as the United States Military Academy to prepare; Garland also collected the supplies needed to operate such a school. This endeavor proved costly; however, Garland took the cadets to Montgomery for display and successfully petitioned the legislature for more funds. Soon after, the Civil War began and a significant number of cadets left to join the war effort. However, admissions applicants have remained steady for the school. During the war, the university would supply troops to the Confederate army and take the pseudonym "West Point of the Confederacy." Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Union Major General James H. Wilson and his forces moved from northern Alabama toward central Alabama. His objective and orders dictated the destruction of Confederate assets at Montgomery, Selma, and Tuscaloosa; he was then to enter Georgia. Arriving at Elyton (Birmingham) en route to Centreville, Wilson dispatched General Croxton to Tuscaloosa "for the purpose of diverting Nathan Bedford Forrest." After a skirmish with Confederate General W.J. Jackson, Croxton headed toward Tuscaloosa. Before entering the city, Croxton hatched a plan to take a bridge, overwhelm the Confederate guards, and enter the city. After carrying out this plan, Croxton passed through Tuscaloosa. A mile away, a horseman informed the president of Garland University of the presence of Union forces. Garland ran towards campus shouting "Beat the long roller!" The Yankees are in town! A group of cadets were sent to intercept the troops as skirmishers. Later, the main force of the Corps under Commander Murfee went into action. However, President Garland, after being informed of the situation, made the decision to leave; the cadets and faculty traveled eight miles and anchored on a hill. Croxton's forces destroyed by burning much of the University and Confederate assets surrounding the town. Interestingly, according to tradition, Croxton sent a request to General Wilson to spare the library, but it was refused. However, he chose to retain one volume which was “English Translation of the Quran: Commonly Called the Alco-ran of Mohammed”. After this, Croxton went to Georgia to join General Wilson. In conclusion, I would like to write that Croxton's expedition to Tuscaloosa left a profound impact on the region. The lives of civilians were disrupted and the university was burned to the ground. Interestingly, the university could have survived the war. Common arguments are that "the University of Alabama was destroyed so soon after the end of the war" and that Grant had refocused the attacks..