Stanford University is nicknamed The Farm because it was founded by Leland and Jane Stanford on the land of their Palo Alto stock farm.
When the Stanfords’ only child, Leland Stanford Junior, died of typhoid fever at the age 15 years in 1884, they established the university in his memory. The Founding Grant of Endowment from the Stanfords was issued in November 1885, with stipulations that included provision of equal opportunities and facilities for both sexes, and a requirement to maintain a farm on the estate for instruction in agriculture.
Leland Stanford Junior University opened in 1891 with 465 students enrolled.
