He deeded several acres of land to a board of trustees for the development of a college.

Brigham Young established the college to provide higher education to the youth of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in northern Utah, southern Idaho, and western Wyoming.

Classes started on 9 September 1878; they met in Lindquist Hall and also for a time in the basement of the Cache Tabernacle.

Initially it was for preparing teachers (1877–1894), then offered college courses and for fifteen years (1894–1909) granted bachelor's degrees.

In August 1962 an earthquake occurred nearby;[2][3] in 1968 the historical buildings were then demolished and replaced with new construction.